About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Dietary Recommendations for Heart Failure Patients
Introduction
Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently to meet the body's needs. Diet plays a crucial role in managing HF by reducing symptoms, preventing fluid buildup, and improving overall heart function.
Key Dietary Recommendations
1. Limit Sodium Intake
- Excess sodium causes fluid retention, leading to swelling and worsening HF.
- Recommended daily intake: Less than 2,000 mg per day.
- Reduce salt in cooking and avoid processed foods high in sodium (e.g., canned soups, deli meats, chips).
- Use herbs, lemon juice, and salt-free seasonings for flavoring.
2. Monitor Fluid Intake
- Excess fluid in the body can lead to swelling and shortness of breath.
- Recommended daily intake: 1.5–2 liters per day (consult a doctor for personalized limits).
- Avoid excessive consumption of fluids like soda, soups, or even water beyond recommended levels.
3. Maintain a Heart-Healthy Diet
- Increase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains: These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Choose lean proteins: Chicken, fish, beans, and tofu instead of red and processed meats.
- Use healthy fats: Prefer olive oil, avocados, and nuts over saturated fats.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine: These can worsen HF symptoms by increasing blood pressure and heart rate.
4. Control Weight and Monitor Calories
- Excess body weight can strain the heart.
- Maintain a balanced diet, avoiding high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods (e.g., fast food, sugary drinks, and sweets).
5. Reduce Potassium and Phosphorus (if Kidney Disease is Present)
- Some HF patients also develop kidney issues.
- Monitor potassium and phosphorus intake, especially if taking diuretics or having kidney dysfunction.
Conclusion
Proper dietary management plays a crucial role in improving quality of life and slowing HF progression. Consulting with a cardiologist or a registered dietitian is recommended to create a personalized nutrition plan that aligns with medical treatments.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association: Dietary Guidelines for Heart Failure
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000001031
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/treatment-options-for-heart-failure/lifestyle-changes-for-heart-failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/what-is-a-healthy-diet-recommended-serving-infographic
2. European Society of Cardiology: Heart Failure Management Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.