Heart failure, or congestive heart failure, is a common cardiovascular condition that often develops as a result of heart disease, heart attack or prolonged high blood pressure. It can also result from a virus or drug use. Making good dietary choices is imperative in heart failure as consumption of the wrong foods can lead to severe complications, hospitalization and death.
Heart Failure Defined
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart muscle cannot pump blood efficiently, depriving the organs and tissues of adequate oxygen and nutrients. Many heart failure patients retain fluid, leading to swollen extremities and breathing difficulties. Weakness and fatigue are typically present and activity limitations may become severe.
Role of Food in Heart Failure
Food provides essential nutrients for the person with heart failure. Nutritious food supplies energy, vitamins, minerals and fiber, all necessary for cardiovascular health. While excess sodium isn't good for anyone, it is especially harmful in heart failure as it causes the body to retain fluid, which stresses the heart.
Common Dietary Alterations
Heart failure patients should follow a sodium-restricted diet, explains the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. The Mayo Clinic website further recommends limiting or avoiding alcohol, cholesterol, trans fat and saturated fat. Packaged foods and restaurant food are typically high in sodium and most commercially prepared soups and stews also contain excessive levels of salt. These foods should be severely limited. Good dietary choices include fresh, canned or frozen fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, fish, chicken, lean meat, whole grain breads and cereals beans and lentils. Eggs can be eaten in moderation. Foods prepared at home from whole ingredients, without added salt, are preferable to convenience foods.
Diet and Weight
Weight is a complex issue in heart failure. Patients who are obese or overweight should follow a calorie-restricted diet until they reach normal weight, because excess weight puts extra strain on the heart. It can also raise blood pressure, which may damage the heart muscle. However, many individuals with severe or long-standing heart failure lose weight over time and have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. Those who are underweight should add foods dense in nutrients and calories, while avoiding excess sodium and fluid. Good choices include unsalted nuts, low-sodium whole grain pasta and bread and low-fat ground beef or turkey. Nutritional support drinks may be appropriate on a limited basis with physician approval.
Typical Menu
A typical breakfast for the individual with heart failure may include scrambled egg whites, oatmeal with cinnamon and pecans, banana slices and 1/2 cup of juice. Lunch may include a salad with low-sodium dressing, a grilled turkey sandwich half on whole grain bread and a cup of skim milk. Dinner may include grilled salmon sprinkled with herbs, broccoli spears, 1/2 sweet potato and a cup of green tea. Snacks may include purple grapes, baby carrots or low-sodium peanut butter with salt-free pretzels. Small meals and frequent snacks are preferable to large meals.
