Sodium Restriction in Heart Failure: More Questions and Few Answers

The benefits of strict sodium restriction in patients with HF simply may be unknown.

Dietary sodium restriction in heart failure (HF) is a traditional component of HF care, but the sparse data on its impact on outcomes are conflicting. Nevertheless, the concept has physiological face validity, and American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines support “some degree” of sodium restriction in patients with symptomatic HF, in a class IIa recommendation based on expert consensus. Now, investigators have analyzed observational data on sodium restriction from HART, an NIH-sponsored study.

The substudy cohort contained 130 patients with symptomatic HF and restricted sodium intake (mean, <2,500 mg/day) and 130 propensity-score–matched patients with unrestricted intake (mean age, 63.5; 56% men; 75% with reduced e…

Reviewing Author

Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)