Question

why is sodium restricted in patients with cirrhosis and heart failure

Answer 1

Actually the levels of sodium and potassium should be in balanced state when we consume certain amount of food. But in the condition of cirrhosis and heart failure sodium was restricted in patients.

Individuals with cirrhosis must reducing salt intake; it only helps lessen the water retention tendencies brought about by the attraction of water by the salt. Decreasing water retention in a patient body will help reduce cirrhosis. The intake of sodium should not exceed more than 2gm per day. So the patient with cirrhosis can increase complex carbohydrates, increase water intake, and decrease sodium intake.

In the condition of Heart Failure (HF) the heat cannot pump blood or cannot fill with blood properly. It is associated with some risk factors which include hypertension, coronary head disease, lower cardiac output, diabetes and abnormal renal functions. This is one of the leading causes for fluid and sodium retention in body of Heart Failure patients.

Therefore, dietary sodium restriction in patients with heart failure (HF) is a very commonly recommended method to lower the risk of complications like edema and quick weight gain. As excess sodium intake leads to fluid and water retention in body, so it is recommended to lower the intake of dietary sodium in Heart Failure Patients. Low sodium intake will lower the swelling or edema and thus workload or pressure on heart will reduce.

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