The role of exercise training and dietary sodium restriction in heart failure rehabilitation: A systematic review.

Heart failure (HF) rehabilitation seeks to enhance the entire well-being and quality of life of those with HF by focusing on both physical and mental health. Non-pharmacological measures, particularly exercise training, and dietary salt reduction, are essential components of heart failure rehabilitation. This study examines the impact of these components on the recovery of patients with heart failure. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of research articles published from 2010 to 2024, we examined seven relevant studies collected from sources that include PubMed and Cochrane reviews. Our findings indicate that engaging in physical activity leads to favorable modifications in the heart, including improved heart contractility, vasodilation, and cardiac output. These alterations enhance the delivery of oxygen to the peripheral tissues and reduce symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue and difficulty breathing. Nevertheless, decreasing the consumption of salt in one's diet to less than 1500 mg per day did not have a substantial impact on the frequency of hospitalizations, visits to the emergency room, or overall mortality when compared to conventional treatment. The combination of sodium restriction and exercise training can have synergistic effects due to their complementary modes of action. Exercise improves cardiovascular health and skeletal muscle metabolism, while sodium restriction increases fluid balance and activates neurohormonal pathways. Therefore, the simultaneous usage of both applications may result in more significant enhancements in HF symptoms and clinical outcomes compared to using each program alone.

Dietary Sodium Restriction and Frailty among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: An 8-Year Longitudinal Study.

Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome. However, there is little information about the relationship between dietary sodium restriction (DSR) and frailty in later life. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between DSR and frailty in middle-aged and older adults. The 8-year follow-up data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, including 5131 individuals aged ≥50 years, were analyzed using random-effects panel logit models. DSR was evaluated by assessing whether the participants were told by a physician to reduce or avoid sodium intake from food. Three indices were used to measure frailty: the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) index, the Fried index, and the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss of weight (FRAIL) index. Individuals with DSR were more likely to report frailty compared with those with non-DSR (SOF: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46-2.27; Fried: AOR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.64-3.98; FRAIL: AOR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.89-3.74). DSR was associated with a higher likelihood of SBF (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.61-4.22). We identified a temporal trajectory in our study, noting significant participant reactions to both short- and mid-term DSR. Future research should address the balance between frailty risk and cardiovascular risk related to DSR.

Sodium loading in ambulatory patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Mechanistic insights into sodium handling.

AIMS: Sodium restriction was not associated with improved outcomes in heart failure patients in recent trials. The skin might act as a sodium buffer, potentially explaining tolerance to fluctuations in sodium intake without volume overload, but this is insufficiently understood. Therefore, we studied the handling of an increased sodium load in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-one ambulatory, stable HFrEF patients and 10 healthy controls underwent a 2-week run-in phase, followed by a 4-week period of daily 1.2 g (51 mmol) sodium intake increment. Clinical, echocardiographic, 24-h urine collection, and bioelectrical impedance data were collected every 2 weeks. Blood volume, skin sodium content, and skin glycosaminoglycan content were assessed before and after sodium loading. Sodium loading did not significantly affect weight, blood pressure, congestion score, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, echocardiographic indices of congestion, or total body water in HFrEF (all p > 0.09). There was no change in total blood volume (4748 ml vs. 4885 ml; p = 0.327). Natriuresis increased from 150 mmol/24 h to 173 mmol/24 h (p = 0.024), while plasma renin decreased from 286 to 88 µU/L (p = 0.002). There were no significant changes in skin sodium content, total glycosaminoglycan content, or sulfated glycosaminoglycan content (all p > 0.265). Healthy controls had no change in volume status, but a higher increase in natriuresis without any change in renin. CONCLUSIONS: Selected HFrEF patients can tolerate sodium loading, with increased renal sodium excretion and decreased neurohormonal activation.

Impact of dietary sodium restriction on falls among middle-aged and older adults: Results of an 8-year longitudinal study.

AIM: This study aimed to understand the relationship between dietary sodium restriction (DSR) and falling experiences in middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: The 8-year follow-up data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, covering 5131 individuals aged ≥50 years, were analyzed using random-effects panel logit models. Participants were asked to indicate whether they were told by a physician to reduce or avoid sodium intake from food and whether they had had fall experiences during the past year. We modelled falling experiences as a function of DSR (independent variable), involuntary body weight loss and walking difficulty (mediators), and chronic diseases (moderator), adjusting for individual-level characteristics. RESULTS: Individuals with DSR were at a higher risk of falls compared with those with no DSR (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-1.53). This effect was more prevalent in individuals with a history of stroke (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.19-2.87). Those told to reduce sodium intake by a physician were likely to lose weight involuntarily (AOR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05-1.36) and had difficulty walking up two or three flights of stairs alone (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.73-3.27), which mediated the effect of DSR on increased fall risk (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.95-1.38). We found a temporal effect: participant reactions to short- and mid-term DSR were significant. CONCLUSIONS: DSR was associated with a greater likelihood of falls among middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with a history of stroke. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 292-299.

Dietary sodium restriction reduces blood pressure in patients with treatment resistant hypertension.

PURPOSE: Patients with treatment resistant hypertension (TRH) are at particular risk of cardiovascular disease. Life style modification, including sodium restriction, is an important part of the treatment of these patients. We aimed to analyse if self-performed dietary sodium restriction could be implemented in patients with TRH and to evaluate the effect of this intervention on blood pressure (BP). Moreover, we aimed to examine if mechanisms involving nitric oxide, body water content and BNP, renal function and handling of sodium were involved in the effect on nocturnal and 24-h BP. Also, measurement of erythrocyte sodium sensitivity was included as a possible predictor for the effect of sodium restriction on BP levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: TRH patients were included for this interventional four week study: two weeks on usual diet and two weeks on self-performed sodium restricted diet with supplementary handed out sodium-free bread. At the end of each period, 24-h BP and 24-h urine collections (sodium, potassium, ENaC) were performed, blood samples (BNP, NOx, salt blood test) were drawn, and bio impedance measurements were made. RESULTS: Fifteen patients, 11 males, with a mean age of 59 years were included. After sodium restriction, urinary sodium excretion decreased from 186 (70) to 91 [51] mmol/24-h, and all but one reduced sodium excretion. Nocturnal and 24-h systolic BP were significantly reduced (- 8 and - 10 mmHg, respectively, p < 0.05). NOx increased, BNP and extracellular water content decreased, all significantly. Change in NOx correlated to the change in 24-h systolic BP. BP response after sodium restriction was not related to sodium sensitivity examined by salt blood test. CONCLUSION: Self-performed dietary sodium restriction was feasible in a population of patients with TRH, and BP was significantly reduced. Increased NOx synthesis may be involved in the BP lowering effect of sodium restriction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in Clinical trials with ID: NCT06022133.

Efficacy of an Educational Intervention for Sodium Restriction in Patients with Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

There is sound evidence showing the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions in lowering blood pressure (BP); however, adherence is usually poor. Interventions to induce behavioral changes aim to improve the ability to read labels, choose foods, and eat low-sodium meals, reinforcing adherence to sodium restriction. In this randomized parallel-controlled trial, we assessed the effectiveness of an educational intervention using the Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire (DSRQ) scores. A follow-up period of 6 months was conducted. Participants were randomized into (1) an educational intervention provided by a registered dietitian on individual visits and dietary planning; (2) a control group with the usual care and dietary recommendations. Patients underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring, 12-h fasting blood tests, spot urine collection, and assessment using DSRQ. We randomized 120 participants (67.5% women and 68.3% Caucasians), and 25 participants were lost to follow-up. The 24-h sodium urinary excretion changed in the control (Δ -1610 mg/day; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1800 to -1410) and intervention groups (Δ -1670 mg/day; 95% CI -1800 to -1450) over time. There was no significant difference in the 24-h estimated sodium between groups. In hypertensive patients, DSRQ-based educational intervention is effective for improving the ability to detect and overcome obstacles to a low-sodium restriction diet but is as effective as dietary recommendations for lowering sodium.

Mizoribine combined with steroids and dietary sodium restriction on the treatment of primary membranous nephropathy: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to initially explore the efficiency and safety of mizoribine (MZR) combined with steroids and dietary sodium restriction on the treatment of primary membranous nephropathy (MN) compared with cyclophosphamide (CPM)-based steroids. METHODS: Patients with primary MN were enrolled. According to the therapy, they were divided into the MZR combined with steroids and dietary sodium restriction group (N = 30) and CPM-based steroids group (N = 30). Both groups were followed up for 1 year to monitor safety and efficacy. RESULTS: Compared with the CPM-based steroids group, the MZR combined with steroids and dietary sodium restriction group had significantly lower daily sodium intake, serum sodium, blood pressure (BP), and 24 h urine protein (all P < 0.05). Conversely, plasma albumin and complete remission rate in the MZR group were higher at the 12th follow-up (40.39 ± 5.14 g/L vs. 37.63 ± 5.40 g/L; 86.67% vs. 66.67%; all P < 0.05). These two groups showed similar adverse events rates (20.00% vs. 26.67%, P = 0.54). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that MZR combined with steroids and dietary sodium restriction is superior to CPM-based steroids in terms of complete remission and 24 h urine protein in patients with primary MN.

Nonpharmacological Strategies in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) suffer from a high rate of cardiometabolic comorbidities with limited pharmaceutical therapies proven to improve clinical outcomes and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Nonpharmacologic therapies, such as exercise training and dietary interventions, are promising strategies for this population. The aim of this narrative review is to present a summary of the literature published to date and future directions related to the efficacy of nonpharmacologic, lifestyle-related therapies in HFpEF, with a focus on exercise training and dietary interventions.

Management of the Adult Patient with Cirrhosis Complicated by Ascites.

Ascites is the most common and often the first decompensating event that occurs in cirrhosis. It has both a high symptom burden and high mortality rate. Increased abdominal girth, generalized abdominal pain, early satiety, and shortness of breath have a negative impact on quality of life. Treatments used to manage ascites include dietary sodium restriction, diuretics, large volume paracentesis, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Secondary complications of ascites include refractory ascites, hyponatremia, and hepatorenal syndrome and are associated with reduced survival. Consideration should be given to the appropriateness and timing of referrals for liver transplant and/or palliative care.

Are the recommendation of sodium and fluid restriction in heart failure patients changing over the past years? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a growing problem for healthcare systems worldwide. Sodium and fluid restriction are non-pharmacological treatments recommended for patients with HF by several guidelines over the years, even without consensus. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of sodium and fluid restriction in patients with HF. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases up to June 2020 and screened the reference lists of relevant articles. We included randomized controlled trials evaluating sodium and/or fluid restriction in patients with HF. We assessed three independent comparisons: (a) sodium restriction versus control; (b) fluid restriction versus control; and (c) sodium and fluid restriction versus control. Main outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality and hospitalization. Two independent reviewers selected studies and extracted data. We pooled the results using random-effects meta-analysis. We used the RoB 2.0 and the GRADE framework to assess risk of bias and quality of evidence. RESULTS: We included 16 studies totaling 3545 patients in our meta-analysis. Daily sodium intake was 1.5-2.4 g for the intervention group and >2.7 g for the control group, and daily fluid intake was 0.8-1.5 L for the intervention group and free oral fluid intake for the control group. Sodium restriction increased mortality (relative risk 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.51 to 2.45, moderate quality of evidence) and hospitalization (relative risk 1.63, 1.11 to 2.40, low quality of evidence). Fluid restriction reduced mortality (relative risk 0.32, 0.13 to 0.82, low quality of evidence) and hospitalization (relative risk 0.46, 0.27 to 0.77, n = 331, low quality of evidence). The combination of sodium and fluid restriction did not significantly affect the risk of mortality (relative risk 0.92, 0.49 to 1.73, low quality of evidence) or the risk of hospitalization (relative risk 0.94, 0.75 to 1.19, low quality of evidence). CONCLUSION: The combination of sodium and fluid restriction in clinical trials resulted in a null effect although results in the opposite direction were observed for each intervention independently. Combined sodium and fluid restriction are usually recommended for patients with HF. Our findings of sodium restriction harm, risk of mortality and hospitalization are consistent with publications from several clinical trial and physiologic explanations. A well-designed clinical trial nested by an implementation study is urgent for definitive sodium range recommendation, specially considering the change of currently guidelines, pushing up the cut-off of sodium restriction range.

The effect of sodium restriction on iodine prophylaxis: a review.

PURPOSE: Sodium is essential to life. However, its dietary excess is detrimental to the cardiovascular system, and sodium restriction is a crucial step in cardiovascular prevention. Iodine deficiency has been fought worldwide for decades, and substantial success has been achieved introducing the use of iodine-enriched salt. Nevertheless, areas of iodine deficiency persist around the world, both in developing and industrialized countries, and a major concern affecting dietary sodium reduction programs is represented by a possible iodine intake deficiency. There are substantial differences in the source of alimentary iodine among countries, such as iodized salt added, household tap water, seafood, or salt employed in packaged food. It is clear that a sodium-restricted diet can induce differences in terms of iodine intake, depending on the country considered. Moreover, iodine status has undergone relevant changes in many countries in the last years. METHODS: Systematic review of literature evidence about the possible effects of sodium restriction on population iodine status. RESULTS: To date, the available results are conflicting, depending on country, salt iodization policy, as well as time frame of data collection. However, to ensure an optimal iodine supply by salt fortification, without exceeding the current recommendation by World Health Organization for salt intake, seems to be an achievable goal. CONCLUSION: A balanced approach may be obtained by an adequate iodine concentration in fortified salt and by promoting the availability of iodized salt for household consumption and food industry use. In this scenario, updated prospective studies are strongly needed.

Effect of a sodium restriction diet on albuminuria and blood pressure in diabetic kidney disease patients: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A sodium restriction diet is a key component of chronic kidney disease (CKD) management. However, the efficacy of its use in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is uncertain. The present meta-analysis explored the effects of restricting sodium intake on albuminuria and blood pressure in DKD patients with albuminuria. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials, and we reviewed the references of all searched articles to avoid omitting other relevant articles. Our primary endpoints were blood pressure, albumin excretion rate, and plasma renin activity. We assessed pooled data using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Of the 661 articles identified, a total of 12 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The random-effects model indicated that salt-restriction diet interventions led to a poled - 4.72 mmHg (95% CI - 6.71, - 2.73) difference in systolic blood pressure and that the intervention resulted in a 2.33 mmHg lower diastolic blood pressure (95% CI - 3.61, - 1.05). In patients with microalbuminuria, restricted sodium intake decreased the albumin excretion rate (AER) by 12.62 mg/min (95% CI - 19.64, - 5.60). Furthermore, the AER was 127.69 mg/min lower in patients with macroalbuminuria (95% CI - 189.07, - 66.32). CONCLUSION: Moderate sodium restriction diets reduce urinary albumin excretion and decrease the level of blood pressure, especially for patients with macro-albuminuria. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen the intervention and health education as well as to provide individualized dietary advice.

Reliability and validity of Chinese version of Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire in patients with chronic kidney disease / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire in patients with chronic kidney disease.Methods:From July 2020 to February 2021, a total of 120 patients with chronic kidney disease admitted to the Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University were assessed with the Chinese version of Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire, and its reliability and validity were analyzed.Results:Exploratory factor analysis showed that KMO value was 0.783, three common factors were extracted, namely attitude and subjective norms, perceptual behavior control and cognition, which could explain 58.83% of the total variation. Cronbach α coefficient of internal consistency was 0.777, and Cronbach α coefficient of three common factors were 0.849, 0.824 and 0.752 respectively. Six experts scored the questionnaire, the CVI of each item were 0.83-1.00, and the average CVI was 0.968. The correlation coefficient between each item and the total score were 0.322-0.648 ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The Chinese version of Dietary Sodium Restriction Questionnaire has good reliability and validity in the study of sodium restriction diet compliance of patients with chronic kidney disease, and can be used as a tool to evaluate the cognition, attitude and behavior of patients with chronic kidney disease.

Sodium and/or fluid restriction and nutritional parameters of adult patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome resulting from the structural and/or functional impairment of blood supply to tissues. Congestion and edema associated with water retention are the main symptoms presented by patients. Fluid (FR) and sodium restriction are non-pharmacological measures indicated in clinical practice to mitigate this symptom, despite their low evidence level. AIM: Assessing the impact of sodium and/or fluid restriction on nutritional parameters of adult patients with HF, based on systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: The study was conducted in June 2020, on the following databases: EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Web of Science. Citations were also collected in the gray literature such as thesis banks and preprints. Randomized clinical trials conducted with patients in the age group 18 years, or older, who were hospitalized or under outpatient/clinical follow-up, and who were subjected to intervention based on fluid and/or sodium restriction in comparison to the control, were herein selected. RESULTS: Although FR-based diets are effective in reducing liquid intake, they increase individuals' thirst sensation and body weight in comparison to non-FR diets. The association between this intervention and sodium restriction is also effective in reducing liquid intake as sodium intake decreases. However, the association of the most severe (<2000 mg/day) and moderate (2000-2400 mg/day) sodium restrictions with FR has reduced energy intake, although without evidence of weight change - only the most severe sodium restriction was capable of keeping individuals' thirst sensation. In addition, moderate sodium restrictions (2300 to 3000 mg/day) in association with FR were capable of decreasing urinary sodium excretion. On the other hand, prescriptions of severe or moderate sodium restriction (<2,400 mg/d) alone have reduced individuals' body weight and BMI, although they did not change their caloric intake. However, severe sodium restriction (<2,000 mg) has led to higher body weight than the low-sodium diet (2000 to 2,4000 mg/day). CONCLUSION: Sodium restriction may not be an effective strategy because it adversely affects individuals' weight, a fact that suggests increased congestion. Weight-based FR is supported to bethe best way to individualize this non-pharmacological treatment and it does not appear to affect nutritional parameters capable of putting patients with HF at higher malnutrition risk.

Aerobic Exercise Training Prevents Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in LDL Receptor Knockout Mice Chronically Fed a Low-Sodium Diet.

BACKGROUND: A low-sodium (LS) diet reduces blood pressure, contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, intense dietary sodium restriction impairs insulin sensitivity and worsens lipid profile. Considering the benefits of aerobic exercise training (AET), the effect of LS diet and AET in hepatic lipid content and gene expression was investigated in LDL receptor knockout (LDLr-KO) mice. METHODS: Twelve-week-old male LDLr-KO mice fed a normal sodium (NS) or LS diet were kept sedentary (S) or trained (T) for 90 days. Body mass, plasma lipids, insulin tolerance testing, hepatic triglyceride (TG) content, gene expression, and citrate synthase (CS) activity were determined. Results were compared by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-test. RESULTS: Compared to NS, LS increased body mass and plasma TG, and impaired insulin sensitivity, which was prevented by AET. The LS-S group, but not the LS-T group, presented greater hepatic TG than the NS-S group. The LS diet increased the expression of genes related to insulin resistance (ApocIII, G6pc, Pck1) and reduced those involved in oxidative capacity (Prkaa1, Prkaa2, Ppara, Lipe) and lipoprotein assembly (Mttp). CONCLUSION: AET prevented the LS-diet-induced TG accumulation in the liver by improving insulin sensitivity and the expression of insulin-regulated genes and oxidative capacity.

Sodium Restriction Counseling Reduces Cardiac Events in Patients With Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Many heart failure (HF) guidelines recommend sodium restriction for patients with HF, but the outcome of sodium restriction counseling (SRC) for HF patients is still unknown. We wanted to clarify whether SRC reduces cardiac events in patients with HF.Methods and Results:Overall, 800 patients (77±12 years) who were hospitalized for HF were enrolled. During HF hospitalization, patients received SRC; patients were required to have a salt intake of <6 g/day. After discharge, death or HF rehospitalization events were investigated. During a mean follow-up of 319±252 days, 83 patients died, and 153 patients were rehospitalized for HF. SRC significantly decreased all-cause death (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23-0.76; P<0.01), especially cardiac death of hospitalized HF patients after discharge. In the multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, SRC, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, ß-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist intake, cardiac rehabilitation, and the type of HF, SRC remained a significant predictor of death. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that SRC significantly reduced deaths and the combined outcome of HF rehospitalization and death. In patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, SRC significantly decreased the mortality rate (odds ratio, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.10-0.71; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: SRC reduced the mortality rate after discharge of hospitalized HF patients.

A Low-Sodium Diet Boosts Ang (1-7) Production and NO-cGMP Bioavailability to Reduce Edema and Enhance Survival in Experimental Heart Failure.

Sodium restriction is often recommended in heart failure (HF) to block symptomatic edema, despite limited evidence for benefit. However, a low-sodium diet (LSD) activates the classical renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which may adversely affect HF progression and mortality in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We performed a randomized, blinded pre-clinical trial to compare the effects of a normal (human-equivalent) sodium diet and a LSD on HF progression in a normotensive model of DCM in mice that has translational relevance to human HF. The LSD reduced HF progression by suppressing the development of pleural effusions (p < 0.01), blocking pathological increases in systemic extracellular water (p < 0.001) and prolonging median survival (15%, p < 0.01). The LSD activated the classical RAAS by increasing plasma renin activity, angiotensin II and aldosterone levels. However, the LSD also significantly up-elevated the counter-regulatory RAAS by boosting plasma angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and angiotensin (1-7) levels, promoting nitric oxide bioavailability and stimulating 3'-5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production. Plasma HF biomarkers associated with poor outcomes, such as B-type natriuretic peptide and neprilysin were decreased by a LSD. Cardiac systolic function, blood pressure and renal function were not affected. Although a LSD activates the classical RAAS system, we conclude that the LSD delayed HF progression and mortality in experimental DCM, in part through protective stimulation of the counter-regulatory RAAS to increase plasma ACE2 and angiotensin (1-7) levels, nitric oxide bioavailability and cGMP production.

Nutrition as Treatment Modality in Heart Failure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to discuss recent evidence and controversies regarding nutrition as a treatment modality for heart failure (HF) patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Adequate nutrition is known to promote health-related quality of life by addressing malnutrition and promoting optimal functioning among older adults and has an established role in the prevention of HF; however, evidence is limited on the effects of nutrition as a treatment modality in HF. While guidance of sodium restriction to address fluid overload is an ongoing debate among experts, evidence from case studies and small clinical trials suggest a positive impact of plant-based and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary patterns on HF-related pathophysiology, quality of life, hospital admissions, and mortality. More clinical trials are needed to establish an evidence base to support dietary management strategies for patients with HF. Clinical and Translational Science Alliances (CTSAs) may provide infrastructure to overcome enrollment barriers.

The role of diet and nutrition in heart failure: A state-of-the-art narrative review.

Heart Failure (HF) incidence is increasing steadily worldwide, while prognosis remains poor. Though nutrition is a lifestyle factor implicated in prevention of HF, little is known about the effects of macro- and micronutrients as well as dietary patterns on the progression and treatment of HF. This is reflected in a lack of nutrition recommendations in all major HF scientific guidelines. In this state-of-the-art review, we examine and discuss the implications of evidence contained in existing randomized control trials as well as observational studies covering the topics of sodium restriction, dietary patterns and caloric restriction as well as supplementation of dietary fats and fatty acids, protein and amino acids and micronutrients in the setting of pre-existing HF. Finally, we explore future directions and discuss knowledge gaps regarding nutrition therapies for the treatment of HF.