Weight loss is a common symptom of congestive heart failure (CHF). As the condition progresses, the body’s ability to function declines and weight loss can become more pronounced. In this article, we will explain how CHF causes weight loss and suggest ways that a person can manage it.
Table Of Content:
- Cardiac Cachexia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
- Weight loss and heart failure: Cardiac cachexia and more
- Managing Heart Failure Symptoms | American Heart Association
- Heart failure - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
- Diet and Congestive Heart Failure | Patient Education | UCSF Health
- The link of unintentional weight loss to cardiac event-free survival in ...
- Weight loss and mortality risk in patients with chronic heart failure in ...
- Heart Failure (Congestive Heart Failure): Symptoms & Treatment
- Weight Loss in Obese Patients With Heart Failure | Journal of the ...
- Unexplained Weight Loss: 13 Causes and Treatment Options
1. Cardiac Cachexia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/what-is-cardiac-cachexia
Apr 24, 2021 ... Cardiac cachexia is a condition that can happen to people who have heart failure. It means you lose a serious amount of body fat, muscle, ...
2. Weight loss and heart failure: Cardiac cachexia and more
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/weight-loss-and-heart-failure
Nov 29, 2021 ... People living with heart failure can develop rapid weight loss. This is known as cardiac cachexia, and the outlook for people with the condition ...
3. Managing Heart Failure Symptoms | American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/warning-signs-of-heart-failure/managing-heart-failure-symptoms
Daily weight Many people are first alerted to worsening heart failure when they notice a weight gain of more than two or three pounds in a 24-hour period or ...
4. Heart failure - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142
Dec 10, 2021 ... Heart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure ... Lifestyle changes — such as losing weight, exercising, reducing salt ...
5. Diet and Congestive Heart Failure | Patient Education | UCSF Health
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/diet-and-congestive-heart-failure
Reduce the Salt in Your Diet · Choose plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. · Choose foods that are low in salt, such as fresh meats, poultry, fish, dry and ...
6. The link of unintentional weight loss to cardiac event-free survival in ...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4130800/
Patients with heart failure (HF) commonly have unintentional weight loss, depressive symptoms, and elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) ...
7. Weight loss and mortality risk in patients with chronic heart failure in ...
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/29/21/2641/530146
Sep 26, 2008 ... Weight loss in CHF may also arise from reduced food intake (possibly linked to reduced appetite, increased liver congestion and nausea, ...
8. Heart Failure (Congestive Heart Failure): Symptoms & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17069-heart-failure-understanding-heart-failure
Jan 21, 2022 ... Congestive heart failure treatments can help keep you from getting ... Treatment for high blood pressure (medication, low-sodium diet, ...
9. Weight Loss in Obese Patients With Heart Failure | Journal of the ...
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/jaha.115.002468
Mar 24, 2016 ... Weight loss ≥5% in patients with chronic HF was associated with high long‐term mortality, particularly among obese patients with HF .
10. Unexplained Weight Loss: 13 Causes and Treatment Options
https://www.healthline.com/health/unexplained-weight-loss
Antiretroviral therapy is used to treat HIV and stop the spread of the virus and may improve weight loss. 13. Congestive heart failure.
What are the main causes of weight loss in congestive heart failure?
The main cause of weight loss in people with CHF is fluid retention, also known as edema. Fluid retention occurs when there is not enough blood pump from the heart, causing fluid to build up in various parts of the body such as the lungs and abdomen. Failing organs may lead to further nutrient deficiencies that contribute to weight loss.
How can I manage my weight while living with congestive heart failure?
There are several strategies that can help people with CHF manage their weight effectively. Eating smaller meals more frequently and choosing nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats can help ensure proper nutrition. Additionally, gradually introducing exercise into your daily routine may help you maintain a healthy weight. However, it is important to always consult a medical professional before starting any new exercise routine.
Are there any supplements or medications that I should be taking if I have congestive heart failure and am experiencing significant weight loss?
If you experience significant weight loss due to CHF your doctor may recommend you take nutritional supplements or medications such as diuretics which help reduce fluid buildup in your body. In addition to these treatments, lifestyle modifications such as improving your sleep hygiene and reducing stress levels can also be beneficial for managing CHF symptoms and promoting overall health.
Are there any other risk factors associated with having congestive heart failure?
Yes, having CHF increases one’s risk for other serious health issues such as kidney failure or stroke. It is important for those who suffer from CHF to work closely with their doctors on an individualized care plan that includes lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing risks associated with the condition.
Conclusion:
Weight loss is a common symptom among people living with congestive heart failure (CHF). It occurs primarily due to fluid retention but can also be caused by failing organs leading to nutrient deficiencies. Managing your weight through dietary adjustments, regular exercise and taking necessary medications or nutritional supplements can help reduce further complications associated with CHF. Nevertheless, it is important to always speak with a medical professional before beginning any new dietary or exercise regimen when dealing with this condition.