Heart failure occurs when the heart weakens and struggles to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Doctor Nguyen Thi Oanh of the Cardiology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi explains that heart failure isn't a standalone disease but a consequence of other cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease. A weakened heart leads to insufficient blood supply to organs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and persistent coughing. Heart failure is a serious, chronic condition that can be fatal if not properly managed.

Along with adhering to prescribed medications and treatment plans, patients should adopt a suitable diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate rest. According to Doctor Oanh, dietary adjustments tailored to each stage of heart failure are crucial for slowing its progression and preventing complications.

Salt reduction is paramount. Excess salt causes the body to retain water, forcing the heart to work harder. This can lead to swelling, shortness of breath, and worsening heart failure symptoms. Reducing salt intake helps reduce fluid retention, easing the burden on the heart. Doctor Oanh advises adults, especially those with heart failure, to consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day, equivalent to less than 5 g of salt or less than one teaspoon.

To reduce salt intake, prioritize fresh, minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy. Instead of relying on salt, enhance flavor with garlic, onions, or dried herbs. Opt for healthier cooking methods like boiling and steaming over frying. Patients should monitor their weight daily to detect fluid retention early and inform their doctor if they gain more than 2 kg in a few days.

A healthy diet low in salt, high in vegetables, and limited in fat helps improve symptoms and boost heart health in heart failure patients. Photo: Ly Nguyen

A healthy diet low in salt, high in vegetables, and limited in fat helps improve symptoms and boost heart health in heart failure patients. Photo: Ly Nguyen

Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, while limiting fats and added sugars, is also essential. Heart failure patients should aim for about 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily (each serving is 80 g, about a small bowl). This provides fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which improve blood vessel function. Limit saturated fats (from animal fats, fatty red meats, butter, and whole milk), added sugars, and processed foods. Using vegetable oils (like olive, canola, or soybean oil) and incorporating omega-3-rich fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines) can reduce inflammation, stabilize heart rhythm, and protect heart function.

Diets like the DASH diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in salt and saturated fat) and the Mediterranean diet (emphasizing fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red meat and refined foods) are beneficial for heart health. These diets can help manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications.

Staying hydrated is crucial. Heart failure patients often experience fluid buildup due to reduced blood flow to the kidneys and compensatory mechanisms that increase water retention, leading to swelling and increased strain on the heart. Therefore, patients should monitor their fluid intake, aiming for 1.5-2 liters per day.

For patients with severe heart failure, doctors calculate total fluid intake based on the previous day's 24-hour urine volume plus insensible fluid loss (approximately 300-500 ml). This helps reduce circulatory burden, limit swelling, and improve respiratory symptoms.

Consuming potassium-rich foods is also important. Diuretics, commonly prescribed for heart failure to reduce fluid buildup and swelling, can increase potassium loss through urine. Potassium is a vital mineral that regulates heart rhythm, fluid balance, and blood pressure. Doctor Oanh recommends obtaining potassium from natural food sources rather than supplements unless medically advised.

Ly Nguyen