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.