According to the National Institutes of Health, congestive heart failure -- sometimes simply referred to as heart failure -- occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body. Weakening of the heart can occur because of a number of events, such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, heart attack, heart valve disease, or arrhythmias, according to PubMed Health. A heart-healthy diet can control symptoms of heart failure.
Reduce Salt Intake
Sodium affects heart failure on many levels. It increases blood pressure, which strains the heart because it has to work harder to pump blood. It makes the body retain fluids, which adds to excess weight and puts a greater demand on the heart. Sodium can also aggravate some symptoms of heart failure, such as swelling and shortness of breath. The American Heart Association recommends limiting salt intake to 2,000mg day, the equivalent of one teaspoon. When preparing meals, do not add extra salt. Avoid buying processed foods sch as deli meats and hot dogs, and watch out especially for canned soups. These are usually very high in sodium. Many foods have salt hidden in them, such as canned meats and fish, salad dressings, cheese, canned nuts and prepackaged frozen dinners. Look for low-sodium labels but also read ingredients and avoid foods with other forms of sodium -- such as sodium alginate, sodium sulfite, sodium caseinate, disodium phosphate, sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide, monosodium glutamate or MSG and sodium citrate, the American Heart Association says.
Limit Saturated Fats and Cholesterol
Saturated fats are fats that are solid at room temperature and are found primarily in animal products such as beef, veal, lamb, poultry, pork, and whole milk dairy products. Vegetable oils such as coconut and palm oil also contain saturated fats. These fats raise blood cholesterol levels and contribute to fatty plaque buildup in the arteries -- resulting in coronary artery disease and, subsequently, heart attacks. In addition, products with trans fats such as hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils should be completely eliminated. Limit cholesterol intake to less than 200mg a day, the American Heart Association says.
Limit Alcohol and Fluids
Excessive drinking can lead to alcoholic cardiomyopathy and increases the risk of heart failure. However, light to moderate consumption may have cardiovascular benefits. A systematic review of alcohol consumption and heart failure by Dr. Luc Djousse and Dr. Michael Gaziano in the 2008 edition of Current Atherosclerosis Reports showed evidence for a lower risk of heart failure in those who consumed low to moderate amounts of alcohol -- defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men -- through mechanisms such as the raising of "good" HDL cholesterol, inhibition of inflammation, and beneficial influence on platelet aggregation. Those who do not drink, should not start, however.
As for fluids in general, consult a doctor to determine your personal requirements. A major symptom of heart failure is fluid retention, so in some cases you must limit liquids so as not to contribute to the problem.
Foods to Eat
According to the American Heart Association, a heart-healthy diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and high-fiber foods, lean meats and poultry, at least two servings of fish weekly, and fat-free or 1 percent fat dairy products. Foods high in potassium such as bananas, prunes and spinach are also recommended because the mineral helps in the regulation of normal heart and nervous system function.
Other
Exercise, stress reduction, smoking cessation, healthy weight maintenance and proper sleep are also important in managing congestive heart failure.
References
- PubMed Health: Heart Failure; 2010
- American Heart Association: Cutting Down on Salt and Sodium for People with Heart Failure; 2009
- American Heart Association: Limiting Fats and Cholesterol for People with Heart Failure; 2009
- PubMed Central: "Alcohol and Heart Failure: A Systematic Review;" Luc Djoussé, MD, MPH, DSc and J. Michael Gaziano, MD, MPH; 2008
- American Heart Association: Diet & Nutrition for People with Heart Failure; 2009
- American Heart Association: The Importance of Potassium for People with Heart Failure; 2009
