Lake Champlain Cardiology Associates
52 Tom Miller Rd., Plattsburgh, NY 12901  (518) 563-2404
www.lccahearts.com

Sodium

When your heart can’t pump blood normally, less blood reaches the body’s major organs.  The kidneys respond by retaining sodium and water.  The extra fluid collects in the lungs and other parts of the body.

Extra salt in the diet can worsen heart failure because water follows sodium in the body.  Every time you consume extra salt, less water is eliminated by the kidneys, causing more fluid build up.  This leads to more swelling and more shortness of breath. 

The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to less than 2400 mg per day.  That is equal to 1 teaspoon of table salt.  People with high blood pressure or heart failure should strive for even lower intake.

 

pic1

 

A lot of Sodium                               A Little Sodium  
        (More than 300mg)                              (Less than 100mg)
        Canned soup                                         Lemon Juice
        Cheese crackers                                  Bread
        Gravy                                                  Bananas
        Ham                                                    Cream Cheese
        Olives                                                 Dried Beans
        Pickles                                                Fresh Fish
        Pizza                                                   Jello
        Rice Mixes                                           Tomato Paste
       Salt                                                     Spaghetti
       Steak Sauce                                          Potatoes
       TV Dinners                                           Oatmeal

 

Tips on Limiting Sodium

  1. Avoid using the salt shaker – try using herbs instead.
  2. Choose fresh foods instead of prepared foods.
  3. Read food labels – watch for sodium content.
  4. Eat more home cooked meals
  5. Rinse canned vegetables and beans in cold water
pic2