Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. CHF is mainly caused by coronary artery disease, which is the narrowing of blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. CHF is also caused by heart attack, heart valve disease, abnormal heart rhythms and congenital heart disease. CHF is a chronic illness that is managed using diet, medications and lifestyle modifications.
Congestive Heart Failure Low-Sodium Diet
Patients with CHF are advised to eat less than 1500 mg per day of sodium, according to MedlinePlus. Eating too much sodium rich foods causes an increase in the body's water content which worsens CHF. Patients should check labels on food products to determine how much sodium there is per serving. Products with less than 100 mg of salt per serving are more suitable for patients with CHF. Patients are advised to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables because they are naturally low in salt. Patients should avoid high-sodoium foods such as hot dogs, ham, bacon, soy sauce, bologna and salami.
Low-Fat and Low-Cholesterol Foods
A diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol helps prevent coronary artery disease, which is the main cause of CHF, according to MayoClinic. High-fat foods also causes excess weight gain which puts more stress on the heart. Sources of saturated fat and cholesterol include whole milk, dairy product made from whole milk, fatty meat and coconuts. Patients should opt for low-fat milk, lean meat and skinned poultry because they contain less fat and cholesterol.
Alcohol and Fluids
Patients with CHF should avoid alcohol and excess fluid intake, according to MayoClinic. Excess fluids cause further water retention and swelling of the body because the heart does not pump effectively, which worsens symptoms of CHF. Alcohol weakens heart muscles and increases the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Alcohol also interacts with CHF medications.
Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure
Patients with CHF experience symptoms due to the accumulation of fluids in the lungs and body organs. Patients report symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling of the feet and ankles, sudden weight gain, swelling of the abdomen, coughing, irregular or rapid pulse, palpitations, problems sleeping, indigestion, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, decreased alertness and decreased urine production, according to MayoClinic.com.
