Fluid overload simply means having an excess of fluid in the body. The excess fluid, primarily sodium and water, builds up in various locations in the body and leads to an increase in weight, swelling in the legs and arms (peripheral edema), in the abdomen (ascites), and congestion in the lungs causing difficulty in breathing (dyspnea).

Fluid overload can be caused by many things, including problems with the heart, kidneys, lungs or a combination of any of these vital organs. Fluid overload can also be experienced after certain surgical operations. The leading cause of fluid overload is congestive heart failure (CHF), sometimes referred to as just heart failure (HF).

The goals of any treatment for fluid overload are to...

• remove the excess sodium and water,
• achieve fluid balance (euvolemia, dry weight),
• relieve the symptoms,
• improve the overall quality of life for patients.

Are your current treatments achieving these goals? Why not? Are you or your healthcare provider considering all treatment options? Are you settling for less than what's possible?

Talk to Your Doctor and Demand The Best Care and Outcomes:

Learning about your disease and its symptoms is an important part of taking control of your healthcare. Read more, educate yourself and your healthcare provider on what you think and what's the latest in clinical data and technology. Talk to your doctor about what the best treatment options are for you and demand the best outcomes.