Evaluating Sodium Restriction in Heart Failure

Although salt and water retention plays a crucial role in heart failure (HF) pathophysiology, controversy still exists about dietary salt restriction in the treatment of HF patients. Small clinical studies have suggested that excessive sodium restriction (< 5 g of salt per day), as compared with normal-sodium diet (approximately 7 g of salt per day), may be associated with deleterious effects in patients with chronic HF, including increased neurohormonal activation, and higher hospitalization and mortality rates.^,

A recent meta-analysis of nine studies involving 479 HF patients undergoing dietary sodium restriction was inconclusive for the recommendation of this strategy in hospitalized patients. None of the studies analyzed in the meta-analysis included hard endpoints such as all-cause death or cardiovascular mortality. However, a modest tendency for improvement of functional class was observed in outpatients undergoing sodium restriction intake. The author reinforces the need for randomized, prospective studies including large sample sizes, evaluating the effect of different regimens of sodium intake on relevant outcomes to build evidence base for detailed recommendations.

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