Heart failure: Watching your fluids

Why is it important to limit your fluid intake?

Too much fluid in your body can make it harder for your already-weakened heart to pump and can make the symptoms of heart failure worse. Things that affect the amount of fluid in your body include:

• Too much sodium, which will cause your body to hold onto (retain) extra fluid. Following a low-sodium diet is important in preventing too much fluid from building up in your body.
• Diuretics, which help your body get rid of excess fluid.
• The amount of fluid you drink, especially if you cannot get rid of the extra fluid by limiting sodium and taking medicines.

Test Your Knowledge

1. It is important to follow your fluid recommendations in heart failure:

1. So that you can eat more salt.
2. Because it can help maintain a normal sodium balance.
3. So that you don't have to keep track of the sodium in your diet.
4. So that you can quit taking your medicines.

Continue to How can you be sure that you are getting enough fluid?
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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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