Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Heart failure can be caused by a variety of factors including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.

If left unmanaged, heart failure can lead to serious complications such as stroke, kidney damage, and death. However, with proper management, many people with heart failure can lead normal, active lives. One important part of managing heart failure is through diet.

The Basics of a Heart-Healthy Diet

There is no one-size-fits-all diet for those with heart failure, but the following principles can serve as a general guide:.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Choose whole grains: Whole grains are a good source of fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Limit saturated and trans fats: Saturated and trans fats can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease.
Choose lean protein sources: Choose lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, and beans instead of high-fat meats.
Limit sodium: Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart disease.
Avoid or limit alcohol: Alcohol can interact with heart failure medications and may weaken your heart muscle over time.

Specific Diet Recommendations for Heart Failure

In addition to the general heart-healthy diet recommendations, there are specific recommendations that can help those with heart failure manage their condition:.

Fluid Restriction

Those with heart failure may be advised to restrict their fluid intake to avoid fluid buildup in the lungs and other areas of the body.

This may include avoiding or limiting beverages that are high in sodium, such as soda, sports drinks, and some types of bottled water. Your healthcare provider can give you specific recommendations for how much fluid to consume each day.

Low-Sodium Diet

A low-sodium diet is often recommended for those with heart failure to help control fluid buildup and lower blood pressure.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, but some people with heart failure may need to consume even less. To reduce sodium intake, avoid processed and packaged foods, which are often high in sodium, and limit your use of salt when cooking and at the table. Instead, try using herbs and spices to add flavor to your meals.

Heart-Healthy Fats

While it’s important to limit saturated and trans fats, unsaturated fats are an important part of a heart-healthy diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Good sources of omega-3s include fatty fish like salmon and tuna, flaxseed, and walnuts. Other heart-healthy sources of fat include olive oil, avocado, and nuts.

Fluid-Friendly Foods

While fluid intake may need to be restricted in those with heart failure, it’s important to consume enough high-water-content foods to help stay hydrated. Some good fluid-friendly foods include:.

Watermelon
Cucumbers
Celery
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Peaches
Broths and soups (if low in sodium)

Conclusion

A heart-healthy diet is an important part of managing heart failure.

By following general heart-healthy diet recommendations and specific recommendations for heart failure, such as fluid restriction and a low-sodium diet, those with heart failure can improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of complications. Talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to develop a diet plan that is right for you.