Symptom 7: Sudden Weight Gain
With diastolic heart failure, the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. As a result, the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering and removing excess fluids from the body, become overwhelmed. Consequently, fluid can start to accumulate in various parts of the body, causing sudden and unexplained weight gain. This weight gain isn’t due to an increase in body fat but is a direct result of fluid accumulation.
The link between heart failure and weight gain becomes clear when you consider the role of the kidneys in managing bodily fluids. Under normal circumstances, these organs effectively manage the balance between fluid intake and output. However, in diastolic heart failure, this balance is disrupted. As the heart’s efficiency to pump blood decreases, the kidneys can’t perform their function adequately, leading to fluid build-up and subsequent weight gain.
Notably, this weight gain tends to occur regardless of calorie intake and activity level. Individuals may notice a sudden increase in their body weight, particularly noticeable when clothes feel tighter or when there is visible swelling, especially in the legs and ankles. Weight gain due to fluid accumulation can be sudden, with an increase of 2-3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week warranting medical attention.
Regular monitoring of body weight becomes a crucial part of managing heart failure. Sudden increases in weight can indicate a worsening of heart failure, necessitating prompt medical intervention. It’s important to remember that early detection and management of these changes can significantly influence the disease’s progression and the patient’s quality of life. (7)
