Congestive heart failure, sometimes called heart failure, is a condition in which your heart is unable to pump sufficient amounts of blood to your organs, arms and legs, according to the American Heart Association. Congestive heart failure often is associated with other conditions such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. A diet low in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol and maintenance of a healthy weight may help you, according to Mayoclinic.com.
Foods Low in Sodium
A low-sodium diet is beneficial if you have congestive heart failure. The recommended daily amount of dietary sodium for patients with heart failure is a maximum of 2,000 mg per day, according to MayoClinic.com. Research by Miyoko Nakasato published in "Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia" in January 2010 found that a diet with 2,000 mg of salt per day reduces plasma and urine levels of sodium in patients with heart failure who previously consumed over 6 g of sodium per day. Research by Emily Levitan published in the "American Journal of Cardiology" in 2009 demonstrates that The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, also called DASH diet, reduces blood pressure and has a 22 percent lower rate of heart failure events, such as hospitalization and mortality, in men with heart failure 45 to 79 years of age. DASH is a diet low in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol and calories, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Whole foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts and seeds, olive oil, eggs and milk are foods with low sodium content, according to the USDA.
Foods Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
Foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol are risk factors for coronary artery disease, a condition that often underlies or contributes to heart failure. Research by David Chess published in "Cardiovascular Research" in 2008 concludes that heart failure may be prevented or slowed down by consuming a diet of foods that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Olive oil and avocado are foods high in monounsaturated fat content with no cholesterol, according to the USDA. Research by Christina Chrysohoou published in "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism" in 2010 found that exclusive, long-term olive oil consumption protects against heart failure.
Low Calorie Foods
Maintaining a healthy weight through diet can help patients with heart failure. Maintaining a healthy weight involves managing calories in your diet; you should not exceed the amount of number of calories that you decide on with your doctor. Foods high in fat and carbohydrates can contribute to weight gain. Protein foods that are low in sodium and saturated fat may be beneficial for you. These foods include soy products such as tempeh, beans, unsalted peanuts, unsalted nuts, unsalted seeds, and unsalted salmon. Research by Lorraine Evangelista published in the "Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing" in 2009 discovered that a high protein diet results in weight loss and reduced body fat in overweight and obese patients with heart failure. The results demonstrate that this diet improves blood cholesterol, fats and sugar and quality of life.
References
- American Heart Association: About Heart Failure
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Failure
- "Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia"; [Is the Low-Sodium Diet Actually Indicated for All Patients with Stable Heart Failure?]; Nakasato, M.; Jan 2010
- "American Journal of Cardiology"; Relation of Consistency with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet and Incidence of Heart Failure in Men Aged 45 to 79 Years; Levitan, E.B.; Nov 15 2009
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Lowering Your Blood Pressuire with DASH
