4 Key Nutrients Impacting Heart Failure Patients

Approximately 50% of patients with heart failure are malnourished.

Dietary choices play a direct role on the progression and outcomes of heart failure.

Sodium
The American Heart Association recommends restricting sodium to 1-2 grams/day for stage A and B heart failure.

Limit intake of cured meats, salted snacks, condiments, canned foods, processed cheese, and pickled products. Be aware of salt in non-diet sources, such as barbiturates, laxatives, and antacids. (Chewable antacids can contain 1200-7000 mg of sodium.)

Potassium
Diuretics deplete electrolytes such as potassium. Potassium plays an essential role in maintaining normal heart rhythm and function. The Institute of Medicine recommends 4700 mg of potassium daily for adults.

Food sources rich in potassium include bananas, tomato juice, potatoes, avocado, and raisins. Be aware a high-potassium diet is not recommended for individuals with renal failure or those using potassium-sparing diuretics.

Magnesium
Low magnesium intake is associated with a variety of conditions, including coronary vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), atherogenesis (accumulation of plaque in artery walls), and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

Magnesium-rich foods include peas, beans, nuts, seeds, squash, broccoli, spinach, and seafood.
Studies find patients with low magnesium during the first 8 days post-surgery to be twice as likely to have a heart attack or die within the first year post-surgery.

Thiamin (B1)
Thiamin deficiency in heart failure patients ranges from 21% to 98%.

Thiamin deficiency tends to be higher in patients using diuretics due to the water-soluble B-vitamin being excreted in the urine.

Food sources of thiamin include enriched grain products, wheat germ, beef liver, dried milk, egg, legumes, and peas. Be aware of foods that negatively impact thiamin absorption, such as coffee, tea, blueberries, and raw fish.

Are you at risk for malnutrition?
Consuming a poor quality diet will negatively impact heart failure disease progression and underlying conditions. Assess your risk for malnutrition with your doctor and take steps to address areas of concern.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Health Pro for HealthCentral