What dietary modification should a patient with heart failure consider?

A low sodium diet is crucial for a patient with heart failure as it helps manage fluid retention and control blood pressure. Sodium tends to cause the body to retain water, which can exacerbate symptoms associated with heart failure, such as swelling and shortness of breath. By reducing sodium intake, patients can decrease the volume of fluid in their bodies, making it easier for the heart to function effectively.

Additionally, a low sodium diet is often recommended to prevent complications like edema and to reduce the workload on the heart. This dietary modification can include avoiding processed foods, checking food labels for sodium content, and preparing meals with minimal added salt.

In contrast, while high protein and balanced carbohydrate diets can be beneficial for overall health, they do not specifically address the concerns related to heart failure. A high potassium diet may also be appropriate for certain patients, depending on their individual health status and kidney function, but it does not share the same critical relevance as sodium restriction in this context.