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 people with congestive heart failure have salt?
Sodium helps keep a normal balance of fluid in your body. Patients with heart failure need to follow a low-sodium diet because it helps control symptoms of heart failure and prevent other heart problems.
How does salt affect congestive heart failure?
Treatment for CHF helps to prevent its complications and relieve its symptoms. The heart does not have to work as hard when you make some changes in your diet. If you eat too much salt or drink too much fluid, your body's water content may increase and make your heart work harder. This can worsen your CHF.
Why should heart failure patients avoid salt?
If you have heart failure Too much salt can cause fluid to build up around the heart and lungs, making the heart work harder. Evidence suggests that a limit of 2,000 mg per day of sodium is a good goal for people with heart failure, especially if they also have high blood pressure.
What should you avoid if you have congestive heart failure?
Here are the most common culprits.Alcohol. Heart failure prevents the heart from pumping as well as it used to. ... Salt. Consuming too much salt (sodium) can result in fluid retention in the healthiest of people. ... Highly Processed Grains. ... Processed Meats.Avoid These Foods if You Have Heart Failure - Penn Medicine
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Is it OK to give salt to dogs?What is considered low sodium for dog food?