Heart failure, also referred to as congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure may affect only the left or the right side of the heart, but in most cases, both sides are involved.
Causes
Heart failure usually develops gradually as a result of damage to the heart from chronic circulatory system disorders, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve malfunction, heart muscle damage and congenital heart defects. When the heart is constantly damaged, the heart muscles become weak and eventually fail.
Symptoms
Medline Plus notes that symptoms of heart failure often develop gradually and become increasingly severe. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, generalized swelling, weight gain, irregular pulse, heart palpitations, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite. Some people with heart failure may also experience inability to concentrate, decreased urination, nausea and vomiting.
Sodium and Blood Pressure
Sodium is an important component of dietary salt, which is a combination of sodium and chloride. Sodium is important for fluid regulation in the body as well as transport of certain substances across cell membranes. Too much sodium in the body, however, can cause fluid retention, which forces the heart to work harder and increases blood pressure. The recommended maximum intake of sodium for a healthy individual is no more than 2,300 mg per day.
Sodium Reduction
MayoClinic.com notes that those with heart failure should consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day. This amounts to less than a single teaspoon per day. Salt is already added to many processed foods, so reducing sodium consists of limiting these foods as well as decreasing added salt.
Other Treatment
In addition to reducing sodium, those with heart failure may also benefit from other lifestyle changes, such as limiting dietary fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease. In addition to lifestyle changes, medications also treat heart failure. If a combination of lifestyle changes and medications is unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary.
