Steps
How To Adjust Your Water Pill
For some people who are gaining water weight from heart failure, it's easiest to adjust your diuretic or "water pill" on your own.
First, be sure that you are checking your "dry weight" every day and keeping track of it. For more information: Checking Your Weight with Heart Failure.
When you check your "dry weight," if you gain more than 3 pounds (1.4 kg) in 24 hours or more than 5 pounds (2.3 kg) in a week, take double the dose of your water pill for 2 days.
If your weight does not go back to normal after this, please reach out to us right away.
If you notice you've gained weight and you're also having difficulty catching your breath, have chest pain or pressure, or are newly unable to lay flat to sleep, please go to your local emergency room (ER) for more urgent evaluation.
First, be sure that you are checking your "dry weight" every day and keeping track of it. For more information: Checking Your Weight with Heart Failure.
When you check your "dry weight," if you gain more than 3 pounds (1.4 kg) in 24 hours or more than 5 pounds (2.3 kg) in a week, take double the dose of your water pill for 2 days.
If your weight does not go back to normal after this, please reach out to us right away.
If you notice you've gained weight and you're also having difficulty catching your breath, have chest pain or pressure, or are newly unable to lay flat to sleep, please go to your local emergency room (ER) for more urgent evaluation.
When to Reach Out for Help
Remember, there are many symptoms of a heart failure exacerbation or "flare." A flare usually caused by an increase in fluid buildup in your body.
Reach out to Galileo or another medical provider right away if you notice:
Reach out to Galileo or another medical provider right away if you notice:
- Rapid weight gain that does not improve with additional diuretic (water pill)
- Increase in leg swelling or larger abdomen (belly)
- You feel more tired than usual
- It's harder to exert yourself during exercise, when climbing stairs, etc.
- It's harder to breathe when you lay flat to sleep
- You have a new, dry cough (not related to allergy symptoms)
Please go to the emergency room (ER) or call your cardiologist if you notice more significant symptoms of heart failure:
- Difficulty catching your breath when you're resting or doing light physical activity
- Chest pain or pressure
You can print out this self-check plan from the American Heart Association (AHA) if it's easier for you to have a visual.
You can use your daily weight to manage your heart failure at home, but watch out for signs that you need in-person care.
