Symptom 10. Rapid Weight Gain: A Subtle but Significant Symptom
The final symptom on our list is rapid weight gain. Now, it’s important to note that this isn’t the kind of weight gain linked to overeating or lack of exercise. It’s a specific type of weight gain associated with fluid retention, a key issue in ADHF.
In ADHF, the heart’s diminished pumping capacity leads to blood congestion in the veins. This congestion increases the pressure within the veins, pushing fluid into the spaces between tissues – a condition known as edema. The result of this fluid accumulation is a rapid, noticeable increase in body weight.
Patients might notice their clothes fitting tighter or a visible swelling, especially in the lower extremities such as the legs and ankles. The weight gain can be quite rapid, sometimes adding as much as 2-3 pounds overnight. This sudden and unexplained weight gain is a critical sign of ADHF. (10)
