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Symptoms and courseHeart failure is a condition in which the heart muscle is not efficient enough to ensure proper oxidation and blood flow in the body. Diet is an integral link in reducing symptoms and progression in heart failure. Next to pharmacotherapy, it is the most important.
Diet in Heart Failure - Symptoms and course
Symptoms vary in severity depending on the severity.
They may include, but are not limited to:
- weakness,
- easy fatigability ,
- dyspnoea on exertion, at rest or at night,
- swelling,
- cough.
Diet
People with heart failure should follow a sodium-restricted diet of 2-3g - i.e. avoid canned meats, salted nuts, adding salt to food (salt can be replaced by lemon juice, horseradish).
It is important to limit alcohol intake to 20 ml of pure alcohol in men and 10 ml a day in women (10 ml being 1 glass of wine, half a pint of beer and 1 glass of vodka), as alcohol can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of arrhythmia.
Avoid foods and products rich in animal fats, which are an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
It is sometimes necessary to limit the fluid supply to 1.5-2.0 litres/day (in advanced failure). In people with moderate heart failure, fluid intake does not need to be restricted. Body weight should be monitored regularly; a significant increase may be a symptom of water retention. Normal body weight should be maintained.
Obesity contributes to a faster progression of the disease. Smoking is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease so it is very important to stop smoking.
