If you're living with congestive heart failure, it's best if you limit the sodium in your diet to less than 1,500 milligrams a day. That's far less than the amount that most Americans eat -- 3,400 milligrams.
Can you have salt with congestive heart failure?
Given that 6.5 million American adults have heart failure, restricting salt intake might profoundly reduce risk for this major medical scourge. Indeed, we advise our patients with heart failure to restrict the amount of salt they consume per day.
Should heart patients avoid salt?
Too much salt causes the body to retain water. This increase in fluid in the body increases blood pressure which puts a strain on blood vessels, the heart and kidneys. As a result, people with high blood pressure have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Why salt is avoided in heart failure?
Salt (also called sodium) makes your body hold onto fluid. This means your heart must work harder to pump around the extra fluid in the body. In heart failure, eating too much salt can worsen symptoms such as swelling, bloating and shortness of breath.
What should you avoid if you have congestive heart failure?
Avoid cured and processed meats, which are high in sodium. Burgers and steaks, even unseasoned, present their own problem: they're high in the types of fat that can lead to clogged arteries. Instead, aim to eat more fish than red meat, especially salmon, tuna, trout, and cod.
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