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What Does Weight Gain In An Elderly Person With Low BP Suggest?
Question: My 86 year old father was admitted to the ER last Friday for low blood pressure. He is on a peg tub and has not been able to take his normal amount of feedings per day due to intense fullness. He was just released this afternoon and has gained 15 pounds in 4 days!? We were all quite alarmed as he was not feeding well in the hospital except for IV's. The doctors dont seem to be alarmed but we are. Would appreciate any insight.
Brief Answer:
Following advice...
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
The weigh gain (15 pounds in 4 days) is a sign of water retention which is usually associated with heart and/or kidney failure.
It's very important to measure the amount of urine during 24 hours. If the amount is below 1 liter of urine for days, this is an objective sign for urinary retention. Urinary retention may be caused by heart or kidney failure and is the major cause of weigh gain.
Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Following advice...
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
The weigh gain (15 pounds in 4 days) is a sign of water retention which is usually associated with heart and/or kidney failure.
It's very important to measure the amount of urine during 24 hours. If the amount is below 1 liter of urine for days, this is an objective sign for urinary retention. Urinary retention may be caused by heart or kidney failure and is the major cause of weigh gain.
Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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