Symptom 8: Rapid Weight Gain – An Unexpected Sign
Rapid, unexplained weight gain can be another symptom of dilated cardiomyopathy. While many may attribute sudden weight gain to dietary changes or lack of exercise, it could also be an indication of a heart condition, especially when it coincides with other symptoms.
When the heart’s pumping function is compromised due to dilated cardiomyopathy, the kidneys, receiving less blood, may start retaining more fluid. This fluid retention can manifest as a sudden increase in weight. The weight gain isn’t due to an increase in body fat but rather the accumulation of excess fluid in the body.
This fluid is often most noticeable in the lower extremities, causing swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. However, it can also accumulate in the abdominal cavity, leading to bloating and discomfort, or in the lungs, resulting in a persistent cough or wheezing.(8)
