In congestive heart failure or CHF, the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood throughout the body. These patients may develop shortness of breath as well as swelling in different parts of the bodies which does not receive enough oxygen because of the failure of the heart. Medication and surgical procedures are part of the treatment plan for congestive heart failure but following a diet low in fat and salt can also help patients manage their condition.
Low Salt Foods
Eating too much salt can increase the amount of fluid in the body and excess fluid causes the heart to work harder, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Patients with CHF should follow a low-salt diet to protect their hearts. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables -- which contain little salt -- is an important part of a healthful diet for these patients. Other foods that are low in salt include fresh meat, poultry, fish, eggs, yogurt and pasta. Avoiding high sodium seasonings for cooking is another way that patients with CHF can lower their salt consumption. A dietitian can offer further suggestions for limiting salt in the diet.
Low Fat Foods
Foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease which can cause damage to the heart and worsen congestive heart failure. Patients should limit their daily intake of cholesterol from animal products like meats, milk and cheese, according to the Owensboro Medical Health System. Patients should also monitor intake of baked goods and cookies because they contain trans fats which is another type of bad fat, according to the MayoClinic.com. A discussion with the dietitian can help clarify what foods are appropriate to eat with this condition.
Limit Alcohol and Fluid Consumption
Patients with CHF should limit or eliminate alcohol because alcohol can interfere with medications and increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, according to the MayoClinic.com. Alcohol can also further weaken the heart muscle. These patients also may need to monitor the amount of fluid intake to further protect the heart. Anything that is liquid at room temperature counts in the total daily fluid intake; water, milk, sherbet, sorbet and ice cubes are all examples of fluids. The dietitian can supply a list of fluids and help establish the amount of fluids that the patient should consume daily.
