Heart failure: Watching your fluids
Introduction
Too much fluid in your body can make it harder for your already-weakened heart to pump. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic to help get rid of excess fluid. He or she may also suggest that you limit liquids so that your body can get rid of the extra water and sodium.
Key points
- Monitoring your fluid intake can reduce complications and hospitalizations.
- All foods that melt (such as ice cream, gelatin, and frozen ice treats) and foods that contain a lot of liquid (such as soup) are considered liquids. Be sure to count these in your daily intake.
- Space your liquids throughout the day. Then you won't be tempted to drink more than the amount you are allowed.
- To relieve thirst without taking in extra water, try chewing gum, sucking on hard candy (sugarless if you are diabetic), or rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out.
How much fluid should you have?
Why is it important to limit your fluid intake?
How can you be sure that you are getting enough fluid?
Where to go from here
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: August 25, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology | |
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