Diseases such as emphysema, severe anemia, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism can cause or contribute to heart failure, even though they are not heart diseases to begin with. Heart failure can be a long-term and progressive disease. The symptoms may occur suddenly after a heart attack or illness. It is a complicated problem that can affect only one side of the heart, or both. The plan of care and approach to treatment will vary. Dietary restrictions are a part of the treatment plan for all types of heart failure.
Nursing Intervention
A nurse-directed intervention program can improve quality of life and medical costs associated with treatment for patients with congestive heart failure. Nursing education of the patient and family, a prescribed diet, social-service consultation and planning for an early discharge are featured. Combined with intensive follow-up, they resulted in decreased hospital stays and better quality of life for the heart failure patients in a study by M.W. Rich, et al. The study entitled "A multidisciplinary intervention to prevent the readmission of elderly patients with congestive heart failure" was published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" in 1995. The specific details of the dietary components are not given in the written report of this trial, but the nurse intervention has been proved effective.
Nutrient Intake
"The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing" of July-August 2008 published a study entitled, "Nutrient intake in heart failure patients." This study found that many heart failure patients are not getting adequate nutrients in their current diets, and that this may lead to exacerbation of their disease. Heart failure patients were deficient in magnesium and vitamin E even when caloric intake was adequate. Since it is known that healthy diets assist healing and fighting disease, nourishment in heart failure is needed to assist the body to stay healthy and recover quickly.
Sodium
Sodium in the diet causes fluid retention, which leads to increased blood volume, increased bloood pressure and unneccessary stress on the heart. The Patient Education Institute lists decreasing sodium in the diet as a lifestyle change that can assist with managing heart failure. Heart failure patients need to limit their intake of sodium to less than 2,000 mg daily. Many processed, frozen and canned foods contain a lot of salt and should be avoided or consumed in moderation. Learn how to read nutrition lables to keep accurate track of salt intake.
Alcohol and Fluids
Fluids are restricted in heart failure patients for the same reasons sodium is restricted. Excess fluid puts extra stress on the heart, leading to further symptoms. The Mayo Clinic states that fluids restrictions are usually implemented during severe heart failure. Alcohol consumption is discouraged in heart failure because it can interact with medications, weaken heart muscle and increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
Fats and Cholesterol
According to the Mayo Clinic, in addition to avoiding high-sodium foods, limit the amount of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. High fat and cholesterol intake are risk factors for coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease can contribute to the development of heart failure or make symptoms worse. A healthy and well-rounded diet will help to keep the heart muscle strong and prevent further disease process and complications.
