Mercy Clinic Heart and Vascular - Patients First Drive

If symptoms get worse or you’re concerned about your safety, you should visit the Emergency Department or call 911.

Patients are referred to the Fluid Management Program by a provider, which could be an ER physician, your primary care provider or a specialist, such as a cardiologist. It’s essential that you seek medical attention before visiting the clinic to ensure that you’re safe and that treatment in an outpatient setting is right for you.

Congestive heart failure (CHF), occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body. This causes the body to retain too much fluid, which can result in shortness of breath, low oxygen levels, additional swelling and weakness. During times of extreme water retention, providers may prescribe diuretics to increase the output of urine and encourage fluid loss.

Some patients may require diuretics through an IV. Instead of being admitted to the hospital to receive this treatment, you can schedule a quick visit with the Fluid Management Program, then be free to return home after. Providers will monitor your response to the diuretic based on daily weights and decide if more diuretic treatments are needed, or if you can be discharged from the clinic’s service. 

The Fluid Management Program offers convenient, timely and safe treatment for fluid retention in an outpatient setting. This enables you to return to the comfort of your home between diuretic treatments.

This approach reduces the need for unnecessary hospital stays and results in a lower risk of infections and lower costs for the patient.