Should People with Heart Failure Steer Clear of Salt?

They may feel better eating less salt, but there’s no proof that a very-low-salt diet will help them live longer.

Published: June 24, 2022

HA PIC 4 — Americans tend to consume about 50% more sodium per day than recommended by the American Heart Association. While cutting back on salt has been shown to help people with high blood pressure live longer, it will not lengthen the life of patients with chronic heart failure. However, a low-salt diet may help them retain less water and feel better.

A low-salt diet is universally recommended for patients with heart failure. That’s because sodium, a primary ingredient in table salt, may cause the body to retain water and makes us feel thirsty. Drinking extra fluid to satisfy our thirst increases blood volume, which promotes high blood pressure. If the heart is not pumping well or filling properly, the extra volume can cause swelling, congestion and shortness of breath. Eating less salt can help prevent these problems from occurring.