Diets for a Congestive Heart

Congestive heart failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the heart to pump sufficient amounts of blood to the rest of the body. It can be triggered by a number of ailments, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart defects and faulty heart valves. Eating a proper diet can help control heart failure's harmful effects.

The Basics

If you suffer from congestive heart failure, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you follow a diet low in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat (hydrogenated fat) and cholesterol. In addition, your diet should be based on whole grains, high-fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats, poultry and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.

Sodium Intake

A main dietary concern for heart congestion patients is sodium intake. As a firm rule, your overall sodium intake should not exceed 2,000 mg a day. Be aware that if you eat pre-prepared foods, you will take in the bulk of this amount without adding any extra salt at mealtimes. Read all food labels regularly to help track your sodium consumption. Do not use salt if at all possible. If you use low-sodium salt substitutes, be careful not to compensate for the low level of saltiness by using these product in larger quantities. Also be aware that salt substitutes commonly contain substantial amounts of potassium, which can be damaging if you suffer from kidney problems or take heart failure medications. To add flavor to your food, try healthier options such herbs, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar or peppers.

Consult a trained nutritionist to learn about additional sodium control options. You may also consider buying one or more low-sodium cookbooks to increase your appropriate mealtime options. If you dine out, ask the wait staff about the saltiness of foods before you order. Stay away from foods that are typically salty, such as soy sauce and pickled items. In some cases, ask a restaurant to prepare your food without the usual levels of salt.

Be aware that controlling your sodium intake can be difficult. In a study reported in May 2009 by the AHA, fully one-third of heart failure patients who try to control their sodium levels fail to do so. In many cases, patients were surprised by their failure, and believed they were conscientiously following their treatment plan. To maximize your chances of success, review your food choices regularly with your doctor and nutritionist, and stay willing to make additional changes if your initial diet attempts need modifications.

Fat and Cholesterol

Replace foods that are high in saturated fat, trans fat or cholesterol with healthier unsaturated alternatives such as peanut, corn, olive, soybean or safflower oil. To keep your overall fat intake low, use limited amounts of these substitutes. Also, keep your intake of fried foods to an absolute minimum.

Alcohol

Additionally, limit or eliminate your intake of alcohol. In large or regular amounts, drinking can directly diminish the strength of your heart muscle, and may also contribute to damaging abnormal heart rhythms.