Heart Failure: Checking Your Weight
Overview
When you have heart failure, it's important to watch for changes in your weight. A sudden weight gain can mean that more fluid is building up and your heart failure is getting worse.
- Weigh yourself at the same time each day.
- The best time is in the morning after you go to the bathroom but before you eat or drink anything.
- Use the same scale every time.
- Keep it on a hard, flat surface.
- Wear the same thing every time you weigh yourself.
- Or always wear nothing.
- Record your weight.
- Try writing it in a calendar.
- Share your weight record with your doctor.
- It can help show how you're doing and what things may trigger a weight gain.
Call your doctor if you notice a sudden weight gain, such as 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week. Your doctor may suggest a different amount.
Credits
Current as of:
June 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: June 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.