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Living with Heart Failure: Fluid Guidelines
Living with Heart Failure: Fluid GuidelinesMonitoring fluid intake is a common part of heart failure treatment.If you drink too much fluid, it may make your symptoms worse, especially swelling and shortness of breath.“When I’m usually having a bad day, I usually have fluid not in my ankles; I usually get it in my handswhen it’s bad. And my bracelets don’t dangle. They get tight around my wrists.”This is because your body may have trouble getting rid of extra fluid.“I don’t always get the classic “My ankles are swollen”. I don’t always get it there. I get the swelling, “Mycute jeans don’t fit.” So, if I can’t get my cute jeans on, I’m fluid overloaded.”You may be prescribed a Diuretic medication to help limit the fluid buildup. But this may not be enough tocompletely control symptoms.Your healthcare provider may recommend you keep to a limit of 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid per day.One way to do this is to keep a 2-liter bottle around. Fill this bottle with fluid and only drink from it. Once it’sempty you have reached your fluid goal for the day.Another way to control fluid intake is to divide your daily limit into morning, afternoon and evening. This willhelp you stay hydrated throughout the day and keep you within your fluid limit.And you may want to track your fluid throughout the day, to make sure you don’t have too much or have a hardtime remembering how many glasses of water you have had.Your healthcare provider will talk to you about a fluid intake goal if it’s the right treatment for you.If you’re limiting fluid, you should avoid alcohol. Alcohol can make you thirsty, and there are better liquids todrink for your limited fluid intake.Alcohol can also interact with your prescriptions.Limiting your fluid intake, including types of liquid, will help you to avoid fluid buildup in your body, reduce yoursymptoms of heart failure and help you feel better overall.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA10161B EN LivingWithHeartFailureFluidGuidelines.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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