A dietitian is an excellent resource for nutritional guidance, information, and support
Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition that requires specific nutritional needs.[3] Changing eating habits is often necessary for the optimal management of HF and a dietitian is an excellent resource for nutritional guidance, information, and support for making those changes. Before your dietitian can create a plan and bring value to your journey, they will first learn about your medical history, plus your current diet and meal preferences, which will allow them to make a dietary plan and recommendations that will have a positive contribution to your heart health. Let’s take a moment and learn about the goals of dietary intervention – a dietitian’s specialty.
Primary Goals Of Dietary Intervention
Controlling cholesterol levels
High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are types of particles that contain both protein and fat particles and circulate in our blood.[4] These proteins carry cholesterol as it moves through your blood. Your heart failure may be caused in part by an elevated LDL level and it’s important to manage these levels to try and prevent further heart damage due to the cholesterols they carry.[4]
Reducing blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major factor that contributes not only to heart disease, but to stroke and other vascular diseases.[5] Also called hypertension, this increased force at which blood is pumped to the body can bring on thickening of the left heart chamber (left ventricle).[6] The strain that high blood pressure puts on the heart causes damage to it over time, causing it to get weaker and less effective.[6]
A healthy heart requires a diet that keeps your blood pressure under control. Your dietitian may check your blood pressure, perform a physical evaluation focusing on nutrition, and then recommend a diet strategy based on your individualized requirements.
Controlling blood sugar levels
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can result in permanent heart problems, especially if you have a previous history of heart or vascular problems.[7] Whether you are a diabetic or just an individual who wants to maximize your diet for heart health, your dietitian can provide you with the education and plan necessary to minimize the health complications that may result from blood sugar levels that are not properly managed and stabilized.
Reducing inflammation
Heart inflammation can be a contributing factor to several health issues, such as coronary heart disease and an irregular heart beat.[8] This can worsen your functional capabilities and may have a poor prognosis.[9] Your dietitian can provide guidance on including anti-inflammatory foods in your diet, such as Omega fatty acids plus vitamins E and A.
After reading this article, we hope you know a few of the dietary goals for heart patients. Next, we’ll talk more about dietitians and their process for helping you achieve these goals.
