Congestive heart failure is defined as an inability for the heart to pump enough blood to adequately meet the body's needs. The condition usually develops gradually as a result of other heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, or chronic high blood pressure, according to MayoClinic.com. Congestive heart failure cannot be reversed, but lifestyle changes, such as salt restriction, can help reduce symptoms.
Physiology of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is defined as the measure of force that the blood exerts on the walls of the arteries. There are two numbers involved in blood pressure: systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure is the top number of a blood pressure reading. It is the higher of the two numbers and measured when the heart contracts. Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number of a blood pressure reading and the lower of the two numbers. It is measured when the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure is defined as 120/80 mm Hg or lower.
Salt and Blood Pressure
Salt is composed of the two minerals sodium and chloride. The consumption of too much sodium causes the body to retain water in an effort to maintain fluid balance. When water is retained, blood pressure increases and causes the heart to work harder, according to MayoClinic.com. If an excess amount of salt is consumed regularly, it leads to chronic high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure weakens the heart and the arteries and can lead to congestive heart failure.
Symptoms
"Nutrition and You" notes that high blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it does not cause any symptoms in its initial stages. Once congestive heart failure develops, it can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, irregular heartbeat, chronic cough, sudden weight gain, lack of appetite and difficulty concentrating, according to MayoClinic.com.
Sodium Recommendations
The normal sodium recommendation for those without congestive heart failure is no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. For those with congestive heart failure, the recommendation drops down to no more than 2,000 mg per day. It is important to note that 2,000 mg per day is considered an upper limit. It is beneficial to keep salt intake as low as possible.
Foods to Avoid
While on a restricted salt diet, salt should not be added to foods or used during cooking. Salt is often added in excess to processed foods and canned soups so these foods should also be avoided. Foods that are naturally high in sodium include anchovies, bacon, sausage, ham, nuts, olives, pickles and cheese. Those with congestive heart failure should also avoid sauces with high sodium content, such as soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, according to Medline Plus.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Heart failure
- Medline Plus: Heart failure
- American Heart Association: High Blood Pressure
- "Nutrition and You"; Joan Salge Blake; 2008
