DASH Diet
The DASH diet is beneficial for heart failure management primarily through its sodium restriction, which reduces fluid retention and decreases the workload on the heart. The diet's emphasis on potassium-rich foods helps counteract sodium's effects and supports proper cardiac muscle function. The overall heart-healthy pattern may help prevent progression of underlying cardiovascular disease that contributes to heart failure.
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Confidence: Moderate
Key foods: Low-sodium canned fish like salmon and tuna, fresh vegetables like asparagus and green beans, bananas and melons, unsalted nuts and seeds, whole grain pasta and rice, skinless poultry, low-fat yogurt, fresh herbs for flavoring
How does DASH Diet assist with Heart Failure: Sodium restriction (1,500-2,000mg daily) reduces extracellular fluid volume and decreases preload on the heart, reducing symptoms of congestion and edema. The high potassium intake supports proper cardiac muscle contractility and electrical conduction. The diet's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help reduce myocardial fibrosis and preserve cardiac function over time.