Heart failure: Watching your fluids

How much fluid should I have?

Fluid usually is not restricted in heart failure unless you have advanced or severe heart failure. Usually, restricting sodium intake alone is enough to help your body get rid of extra fluids.

However, if your doctor recommends that you limit the amount of fluids you drink and eat (fluid intake), you will need to keep track of all beverages and any foods that contain a lot of liquid. Your doctor will tell you how much fluid you can have in a day.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Fluid intake usually is not restricted in heart failure unless your doctor gives you a specific fluid limit.

1. True
2. False

Continue to Why is it important to limit my fluid intake?
Return to Heart failure: Watching your fluids

Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: September 1, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.