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Sudden increases in weight usually mean excess fluid retention, which makes your heart work harder. You can gain up to 10-15 pounds before developing obvious edema and lung congestion (common symptoms of heart failure), so daily weighing is a great way to catch problems early.
Step 1: Know your "dry," or ideal, weight. This is your weight without any extra water or fluid.
Step 2: Weigh on the same scale before you eat and after urinating. Record it.
Step 3: If you gain 2 or more pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week, or if you have more swelling than usual, cut your sodium intake by 500 mg (about 1/4 teaspoon) a day and decrease liquid by 1-2 cups a day.
If you don't lose the weight in one or two days, or if you gain more, call your doctor.
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