Eating less sodium when you have heart failure

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.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: October 23, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
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