Heart Failure And Nutrition: Foods To Help Keep You Strong

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure (CHF), is a chronic condition that affects millions of Americans every year. It happens when the heart can’t pump blood effectively, causing symptoms like fatigue, swelling and shortness of breath.

“There are multiple risk factors for developing heart failure: coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, hypertension, thyroid disease, substance use, obesity and metabolic issues,” said Heather Gengnagel, NP-C, a nurse practitioner at Franciscan Health. “We also see risks from genetics and certain cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation.”

While we can’t change genetics, Gengnagel said, “Lifestyle choices, like diet and nutrition in heart failure, play a big role in risk reduction and symptom management.”

A heart-healthy diet can prevent the condition, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Heart Failure And Nutrition: Why Does It Matter?

Nutrition and heart health go hand in hand. Heart failure affects how the body processes fluids and nutrients. When the heart doesn’t pump efficiently, excess sodium and heart failure complications, such as fluid retention, can cause swelling, fatigue and shortness of breath.

“Too much sodium causes the body to retain water, which leads to fluid buildup in the legs, abdomen and even around the lungs,” Gengnagel explained.

By managing sodium intake and following a heart-healthy diet, patients can help reduce these risks. A balanced diet also provides the necessary nutrients to strengthen the heart and improve quality of life.

What Are The Best Foods For Heart Failure Patients?

Gengnagel encouraged heart failure patients to view food choices as opportunities for better health.

“Focus on nutrient-rich, fresh foods, like fruits and vegetables, even frozen ones,” she said. “Fresh meats and fish that aren’t processed are typically good for you and contain low sodium.”

Here are some heart-healthy options:

• Fruits and vegetables: Choose fresh or frozen varieties without added sodium.
• Proteins: Include eggs, lean meats (chicken, turkey, pork), beans, unsalted nuts and seeds, which are a great source of magnesium.
• Dairy: Choose plain yogurt and milk with no added sodium.
• Whole grains: Include brown rice, oats and wild rice.

These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals while helping reduce fluid retention.

Which Foods Should You Avoid To Manage Heart Failure?

To reduce symptoms, limit foods high in sodium and unhealthy fats.

“Processed foods, fast foods and sugary beverages often hide high levels of sodium,” Gengnagel said. Avoid:

• Packaged snacks like chips and canned soups
• Fast foods with saturated fats and sodium
• Sugary drinks like sodas and sports beverages

“One of the places sodium hides is in drinks,” Gengnagel said.

Check labels on sports drinks and diet sodas — they often have surprisingly high sodium content.

“You really should monitor your fluids,” Gengnagel said. “I know people will sometimes have alcohol, but avoiding alcohol has shown to be beneficial for heart disease.”

How Can You Lower Sodium Intake?

Reducing sodium intake doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Gengnagel offered practical tips:

“Put away the salt shaker and explore natural herbs and spices,” she said. “Crushed red pepper, garlic and other seasonings can add flavor without the extra salt.”

Additional tips for lowering your salt intake include:

• Read food labels carefully to identify low-sodium products.
• Choose fresh ingredients over canned or processed items.
• Try recipes that use herbs and spices for flavor.

Why Are Macronutrients Important For Heart Health?

Macronutrients — proteins, fats and carbohydrates — are the building blocks your body needs for energy and heart health.

Proteins: The Fuel For Energy And Healing

“Protein keeps your metabolism going, gives you energy, helps with healing and maintains fluid balances in the body,” Gengnagel said.

Choose lean meats, eggs, dairy, beans and nuts. Avoid fried or processed foods.

Fats: The Healthy Kind Matters

Many people think fats are harmful, but Gengnagel said they’re essential.

“Your body needs some fats to absorb vitamins and minerals,” she said. “We use fat for energy, and there are healthy forms.”

Choose healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds and fatty fish. Limit saturated fats, like butter, processed cheeses and fried foods. She used a practical analogy:

“Think of saturated fats as the ones that stay solid at room temperature,” Gengnagel said. “That’s what they’re doing inside your body, too.”

While ice cream may melt, she joked, it’s still a form of saturated fat to limit.

Carbohydrates: Energy In Its Healthiest Form

Why Are Micronutrients Important?

Micronutrients like magnesium, potassium and sodium are key to keeping your heart healthy.

“Magnesium supports cardiac muscle function, helps with the dilation of vessels, reduces blood pressure and lowers the heart’s workload,” Gengnagel said.

Potassium “helps with cardiac function and sends signals to keep the heartbeat regular,” she said.

For patients managing sodium and heart failure, limiting sodium to less than 2,000 milligrams a day — or even 1,500 milligrams — is critical.

“Too much sodium leads to fluid retention and puts extra pressure on the heart,” Gengnagel said.

How Can Exercise Improve Your Heart?

“Exercise conditioning helps improve heart function and overall health,” Gengnagel said.

Starting small, like taking daily walks, and gradually increasing activity can reduce symptoms and build endurance.

When you exercise, you’ll experience:

• Improved heart function and oxygen use
• Reduced symptoms of fatigue and swelling
• Increased tolerance for physical activity

“Cardiac rehab programs, which many insurance plans cover, provide guidance for heart failure patients and can be life-changing,” she said.

How To Eat, Move And Thrive While Managing Heart Failure

Living with heart failure requires a combination of healthy eating and active living. Start with these steps:

1. Follow the DASH or Mediterranean diet, focusing on fresh, whole foods.
2. Limit sodium intake to under 2,000 mg daily (or 1,500 mg for advanced heart failure).
3. Start exercising daily, beginning with small activities.
4. Join a cardiac rehab program for personalized guidance.

“Heart failure is a progressive, chronic condition, but lifestyle changes — better diet, exercise and reducing sodium — can improve symptoms and help avoid hospital admissions,” Gengnagel said.

If you have congestive heart failure or are at risk, learn how Franciscan can help you improve your heart health. Connect with a Franciscan Health provider near you to stay on top of your health and well-being.