Module 4 Pull Down Navigation - Select a Page to View ------------------- Introduction Taking Charge of Heart Failure Following Your Treatment Plan Barriers to Following Your Treatment Plan Overcoming Barriers to Treatment Tips for Taking All of Your Medicines as Prescribed Tips for Exercising Regularly Tips for Following Your Diet Other Tips for Following Your Treatment Plan Managing Your Symptoms Urgent Symptoms: When to Call Your Doctor of Nurse Early Symptoms of Heart Failure Tracking Your Symptoms Monitor Your Weight and Body Swelling Daily Download a Weight Chart in PDF Format Treat Weight Gain and Swelling Right Away Prevent Fatigue From Interfering with Your Life Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Nurse Other Questions and Answers About Self-Care Learn More About Heart Failure

Treat Weight Gain and Swelling Right Away

If you gain 2 or more pounds in 1 day, or 4 pounds in one week or if you have more swelling than usual, do the following:

• Cut the sodium (salt) in your diet by 500 mg (about ¼ teaspoon) each day.
• Decrease the amount of liquid you drink by 1 or 2 cups per day. For example, if you normally drink 5 cups of liquid each day, reduce it to 3 to 4 cups each day for 2 days.

If you do not lose the weight you have gained or decrease your swelling in 1 or 2 days, or if you gain another pound within 2 days, do the following:

• If your doctor has explained how you should adjust your diuretic (water pill) dose in situations like this, follow that advice.
• If your doctor has not explained how to adjust your diuretic, call your doctor or nurse.