Heart Failure: Eating Less Salt

 

Limiting sodium will make you feel better. Too much sodium makes it harder for your already-weakened heart to pump and can lead to sudden heart failure. Fluid may build up in your lungs—making it harder for you to breathe—and in your feet, ankles, legs, and belly (abdomen).

Test Your Knowledge

Limiting sodium in your diet:

Helps decrease thirst.

Limiting sodium in your diet does not help decrease thirst. It does help prevent fluid from building up in your body. Also, it will actually help you feel better and may decrease your risk for being hospitalized because of severe heart failure. The correct answer is d.

Helps you lose weight that is not caused by retaining water.

Limiting sodium in your diet does not help you lose weight that is not caused by retaining water. It does help prevent fluid from building up in your body. It will also help you feel better and may decrease your risk for being hospitalized because of severe heart failure. The correct answer is d.

Helps flush your kidneys.

Limiting sodium in your diet does not help flush your kidneys. It does help prevent fluid from building up in your body. Also, it will help you feel better and may decrease your risk for being hospitalized because of severe heart failure. The correct answer is d.

Helps prevent fluid buildup in your body.

Limiting sodium in your diet does help prevent fluid buildup in your body. Also, it will help you feel better and may decrease your risk for being hospitalized because of severe heart failure.

Continue to How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How can you limit the amount of sodium in your diet?
Return to Click here to view an Actionset. Heart Failure: Eating Less Salt

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Advertisement