Fluid retention in dilated cardioymopathy

[Giorg]

I am 31 years old, with familar DCM. Already wrote here a month ago, and one year ago. I tend to retain fluid despite my continous monitoring of fluid and salt intake (and 50 mg of Lasix per day). Extra fluid make me weak and make me feel much more the thousands PVCs that I have everyday. I am trying to find strategy to avoid fluid retention, so first question is
1) Is it true that people with my condition should drink less at evenings and nights? I do the opposite, I do not drink during the day (because I am at work and do no think about that), and drink 1 liter of water at nights because I am very thirsty when I get home. Anyway I prefer drinking at nights because sometimes I go out with friends and I want to have some "budget" left to use with them.
2) Not regarding fluid, do you use in Cleveland any supplements for DCM and in which dosage? I found rather useful L-Arginine (for blood circulation in feet) and Taurine (for arrhytmias) but my cardiologist is not really into them.
Thank you.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hello,

Sorry to hear about your DCM.

1) Is it true that people with my condition should drink less at evenings and nights?

I don't usually advice fluid restrictions unless someone is having trouble with frequent fluid overload despite diuretics.  I would advice watching you salt in take.

In people with occassional fluid build up, I usually try to see if they can handle adjusting there own diuretics to take an extra pill when their weight increases or they notice fluid retention.  

2) Not regarding fluid, do you use in Cleveland any supplements for DCM and in which dosage? I found rather useful L-Arginine (for blood circulation in feet) and Taurine (for arrhytmias) but my cardiologist is not really into them.

I will use supplements if they are studied in a large randomized trial.  Otherwise, I would strictly adivce against them.  Too many times we make the mistake of taking medications or supplements because they "make sense" or because the inappropriately advertised with data to support their claims.  I would be very careful, but in the end it is your choice.

Good luck and thanks for posting.

[cheli1750]

Hello, I am a 28 year old female and have been experiencing fluid retention near my ankle. I have had it for a while. It is persistent and can be seen better when I point my foot downward. When I am standing, you can't really tell but I know it is there. I have not had any symptoms such as shortness of breath, weight gain, nausea, vomiting, cough etc. I do exercise at least 3 times a week, I am overweight and I know that this weight does nothing for me. I am exercising at least 3 times a a week for at least an hour. However, I am a little nervous to go the doctor considering that there is a history of heart problems in my family. What could it be?? Thanks.

[Giorg]

If you did not experience weight gain, you have not fluid retention.

[cheli1750]

Then what do you think are these pockets of fluids near my ankles? It must be some kind of fluid retention don't u think?

[Giorg]

I am not a doctor, it could be anything. Anyway if your weight has not changed and you do not have symptoms heart related, I do not think is due to a heart disease. Ask a doctor, that is the only way, through internet you will not find your answers. Actually surfing internet will get you just more worried.

[cheli1750]

Well thanks for the thoughts giorg...Best of luck to you...