Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to sufficiently propel blood forward from either the right side of the heart to the lungs or the left side of the heart to the systemic circulation and brain. Foods high in sodium will cause the body to hold onto fluid and put additional stress on the heart.
History
Heart failure is a common cause of hospitalization for older adults. Heart failure can be acute and occurs as a result of trauma, heart attack, or abnormal heart rhythms. Chronic heart failure develops over a period of time as a result of heart disease, high blood pressure or weakened heart muscle.
Significance
When the left side of the heart is affected, blood backs up into the heart chamber called the left atria and the pulmonary veins. This increased pressure causes fluid to leak into the lungs and causes edema. If there is prolonged failure of the left side of the heart, it will place pressure on the right side of the heart. When the right side of the heart is affected, it causes blood to back up into the right atrium and will eventually cause systemic edema. Systemic edema will cause swelling in the extremities.
Symptoms
In left-sided heart failure, because the fluid is backing up into the lungs, patients will become short of breath. Even simple daily activities such as bathing or getting dressed cause the patient to become short of breath. One side of the heart cannot fail without the other side eventually failing. Therefore, as the right side is affected, edema in the extremities will occur and blood pressure increases as a compensatory mechanism to try to improve blood flow.
Dietary Recommendations
"Heartfailure Online" indicates that a high sodium intake can cause fluid retention and therefore contributes to edema. Fluid accumulation puts more strain on the heart and can lead to shortness of breath. According to "The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing," a manageable dietary regimen for patients with mild to moderate heart failure may be achieved by simply avoiding salty foods and not adding salt to foods after cooking. Patients are encouraged to read the labels for sodium content when purchasing canned or frozen foods. Salt substitutes should be used with careful consideration, as many of these may be sodium based. Alcohol consumption is discouraged for patients with heart failure because it will decrease the effectiveness of the heart's ability to pump.
Weight Management
In patients with heart failure, weight maintenance is an essential concern. Weight gain due to fluid retention is common in heart failure, and places an additional burden on the heart. Patients are encouraged to weigh themselves at the same time each morning. A two-day weight gain of three pounds or a three to five pound weight gain over one week is a concern, and should be followed up upon by a physician.
References
- "Fluids and Electroyles DeMystified"; McGraw Hill; 2008
- Heart Failure Online: Diet
- "The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing"; Nurse Educator Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure; Washburn & Hornberger; June 2008
