What lifestyle change is often recommended for patients with heart failure?

In patients with heart failure, a low-sodium diet is often recommended as it plays a crucial role in managing fluid retention and reducing the workload on the heart. Sodium attracts water in the body, and excessive sodium intake can lead to increased blood volume, which exacerbates symptoms of heart failure such as edema and shortness of breath. By adopting a low-sodium diet, patients can help maintain better fluid balance, potentially improving their heart function and overall well-being.

Managing dietary sodium intake allows patients to control their symptoms more effectively, leading to fewer hospitalizations and a better quality of life. This lifestyle change is typically part of comprehensive heart failure management, which may also include medications and other lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight or monitoring fluid intake.