What it is
Heart failure is a chronic condition characterised by progressive deterioration of cardiac function, inadequate tissue perfusion, weakness, dyspnoea and fluid retention.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Marked fatigue
- Fluid retention
- Mental confusion
- Memory loss
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Dry cough
Nutritional management
- Consumption of foods low in saturated fats, trans fatty acids and cholesterol
- Sodium intake reduced to less than 2 g/day
- Increased consumption of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain products
- Fluid intake limited to 2 litres per day
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Increased physical activity according to tolerance
- Avoiding alcohol consumption
- Smoking cessation
When to consult a dietitian-nutritionist
- After a diagnosis of heart failure
- When there is a complex cardiac history (ischaemic heart disease, previous infarction, angioplasty)
- When personalised nutritional support is needed to limit sodium, fluids and saturated fats
- When multiple risk factors are present (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, obesity)
- When education is needed on choosing foods that improve the lipid profile