Symptom 13: Fluid and Water Retention
Fluid and water retention is a major symptom of congestive heart disease. In this condition, the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently leads to the kidneys retaining more fluid and salt than usual. This results in increased fluid in the bloodstream and subsequent water retention in the body’s tissues, causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and even the abdomen.
However, water retention can occur due to a host of other conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease, or due to certain medications. Therefore, this symptom needs to be evaluated in conjunction with other signs of congestive heart disease.
Notably, fluid retention associated with heart disease often leads to rapid weight gain and increased urination, particularly at night. This symptom can also be accompanied by a feeling of bloating or fullness in the abdomen.
In conclusion, while water retention can occur for a variety of reasons, when accompanied by other symptoms of heart disease, it should prompt further investigation. Understanding the root cause can help in designing a targeted treatment strategy, ultimately improving patient outcomes. (13)
