In this post, the methods of the health condition improvement when a patient suffers from heart failure are addressed properly and contribute to their further discussion. In general, heart failure is characterized by the inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently. As a result, fluids are built up in the body causing shortness of breath, weight gain, and swelling. However, people with heart failure may control the number of fluids to prevent associated symptoms.
First of all, it is necessary to control the consumption of salt and drinking, especially if heart failure is severe. One cupful (240 ml) during a meal and 6-9 cups overall during the day helps to minimize the adverse effects of heart failure. At the same time, such products as soups, ice cream, popsicles, puddings, and gelatin contain fluids and should be taken carefully. For people with heart failure who experience difficulties with fluids limitation, it is advisable to chew gum, suck small pieces of ice, a slice of lemon, or hard candy, stay cold to avoid overheating or rinse the mouth with cold water when thirst becomes annoying (U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d.). In addition, diuretics, including loop diuretics, potassium-sparing agents, and thiazides, are beneficial for getting rid of extra fluid in the body (U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d.).
A low-sodium diet is essential for the prevention of the symptoms of heart failure as well. According to the American Heart Association, patients with this syndrome are recommended to consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium daily while an average adult consumes 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day (Beckerman, 2020). Moreover, the already mentioned weight control to identify the changes in “dry” weight is an efficient preventive technique as well.
References
Beckerman, J. (2020). Heart failure symptoms. WebMD. Web.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Heart failure – fluids and diuretics. MedlinePlus. Web.