Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Breathe easier, make medicine more effective and decrease fluid buildup with this heart healthy diet

Recommended For

CHF, CHF prevention, Congestive heart failure, Heart failure.

Diet Goals

Low sodium, limit fluids

Reduce fluid retention with low sodium diet
Caution salt substitutes with high potassium
Restrict fluid per MD; weigh daily to check

High BP, obesity or diabetes can weaken the heart muscle causing heart failure. The goal of this diet is to lighten the workload of the heart.

Food Recommendations

Foods to Eat

Low sodium: Unsalted trail mix, popcorn, nuts, seeds

Fruits, Vegetables: Berries, avocado, leafy greens, carrots

Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, fish, tuna, shrimp, pork chops

Low fat dairy: Skim, 1% milk, yogurt, cheeses, buttermilk

Whole grains: Whole wheat bread & pasta, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, brown rice

Fish 2 x week: Salmon, bass, cod, crab, scallops, shrimp

Foods to Avoid

Processed meats: Sausage, hot dogs, jerky, deli meat, bacon

Fried foods: Pan fried or deep fried in hot oil or butter

High sodium: Deli meat, soup, cheese, pizza, salty nuts & snacks

Pickled or cured meats: Canned, pickled, salted, cured or smoked meat, fish

Refined carbs: Bread, pasta, wraps, pancakes, condiments, sauces, dressings

Full fat dairy: Whole milk, yogurt, butter, cheese

Diet Rules

Additional Information

Research

Studies show patients with heart failure who follow low sodium diet, restrict fluids have better control of symptoms.

Studies show plant based diet associated with lower risk of heart failure in adults with known heart disease.

Diet is important in CHF; food related risk factors include obesity with high saturated fat intake; high BP, diabetes.

Caveats

Sodium affects BP most; < 2,300 mg/d can lower BP.

Limit packaged/processed foods; check labels.

Avoid fast food/restaurants; most have high salt in food.

Caution: salt substitutes are high in potassium; discuss use with MD.

References

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Blumenthal MD, R., & Jones MD, S. (n.d.). Congestive Heart Failure: Prevention, Treatment and Research. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/congestive-heart-failure-prevention-treatment-and-research

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