Can heart failure cause weight gain?
Disease description:
I recently discovered that I have mild heart failure, and I’ve also gained weight. Could heart failure cause weight gain?
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Liu Shilei
Heart failure can lead to weight gain, primarily because severe heart failure impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, resulting in systemic venous congestion and concurrent sodium and water retention. This leads to generalized edema and subsequent weight gain. However, as the condition progresses, reduced appetite and impaired nutritional intake may cause weight loss. It is essential to actively treat heart failure. Patients should rest adequately, avoid overexertion, follow a light diet, and reduce salt intake.
