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Living with heart failure (weight, swelling, salt)
heart failure · swelling and shortness of breath · weak heart · chronic heart failure
In heart failure the heart pumps blood more weakly. Fluid is held in the body, causing swelling and shortness of breath. Daily checks help you keep the condition under control.
If your doctor has found heart failure.
⏱ Duration: the checks take a few minutes every day
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Scale. You need a scale at home. Weigh yourself every morning.
- Diary. Write down your weight, blood pressure, pulse and how you feel.
- Salt and water. Your doctor will tell you how much salt and fluid is allowed. Do not change it on your own.
What to bring
- Your weight and blood pressure diary
- A list of your medicines
- A blood pressure monitor
How it goes
- Every morning, after using the toilet and before breakfast, weigh yourself in the same clothes
- Write your weight in the diary
- Check your legs for swelling
- Take your medicines every day as your doctor prescribed
- Use less salt on food and avoid salty ready-made foods
- Move a little every day, if your doctor allows
What you'll feel
- Shortness of breath when active and tiredness are common
- Water pills (diuretics) make you go to the toilet often - this is how it should be
Afterwards
- If your weight rises by more than 2 kg in 2 to 3 days, call your doctor
- Do not take painkillers without your doctor's advice - some hold water in the body
- Ask about flu and pneumonia vaccines
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Severe shortness of breath at rest or at night, you cannot lie down - call your local emergency number
- Chest pain - call your local emergency number
- Fainting or a very fast heartbeat - call your local emergency number
- Weight rising fast and swelling getting worse - call your doctor today
Common questions
Can I drink a lot of water?
Not always. How much fluid you may have is for your doctor to decide.
Why is it important to weigh myself every day?
Weight goes up from extra water before swelling appears. It is an early warning sign.