Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Heart failure: Eating less salt

Why? - Why the action is important? Why do I need to limit sodium for my heart failure?

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

  1. Limiting sodium in your diet:

    1. Helps decrease thirst.
    2. Helps you lose weight that is not caused by retaining water.
    3. Helps flush your kidneys.
    4. Helps prevent fluid buildup in your body.

Continue to How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How can I limit the amount of sodium in my diet?
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Author: Robin Parks, MSLast Updated: September 1, 2006
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology

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