Question 1

my husband has fought conjestive heart failure and low soduim and low potassium , is it safe to be 121 in sodium?

Accepted Answer

Not safe: Normal lab reference ranges may vary, but a sodium of 121 is likely low regardless of lab.  A low sodium and potassium in setting of CHF is likely due to use of diuretics to help remove fluids from his lungs.  His doctors should be able to help normalize his sodium and potassium levels, provided his heart condition can be stabilized and kidneys are functioning normally.

Question 2

is a sodium level of 134 low? i have an atrial septa defect & atrial septal aneurysm could it be heart failure ? i also had fatty liver but don't now

Accepted Answer

Barely: Normal lower limit of serum sodium is 135, so 134 is technically low but it will not do you any harm. For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

Question 3

if i have mitral regurgitation, will i get a heart failure/attack if i get too puffy from salt?

Accepted Answer

Mitral regurg?: Mitral regurgitation itself, if severe, causes chf.  Any body with sigficant mr, should diminsh there salt intake.  Actually good advice for everyone.

Question 4

nt-pro-bnp determination of n-terminal type b sodium urethic peptide is this blood test shows if person has heart failure?

Accepted Answer

: No blood tat alone can diagnose CHF.  It can suggest that but must be out in context of what else is going on with the patient. Go to uptodate.com and read The Basics about congestive heart failure and discuss with your Drs .

Question 5

can epsom salt help with edema, like from heart failure or liver failure? will it help with chronic venous insufficiency?

Accepted Answer

No: No no and no -- please see your doctor if you have any of the above condition.

Question 6

heart failure diet to lose water retention?

Accepted Answer

Low sodium: The most important thing--almost the only thing--is to restrict the sodium content of your diet.  Sodium will cause fluid retention.

Question 7

if i change my diet, would i be able to avoid heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Many studies have shown that individuals that consume fewer calories, more fruits and vegetables and less saturated fats tend to have lower risks for cardiovascular disease. Low-salt diets have also been recommended for people at risk for heart failure. Exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake also helps reduce cardiovascular risk.

Question 8

could diet pills cause heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: During the phenertermine scare several years ago, certain valvular disorders as well as pulmonary artery hypertension were associated with its use in weight loss regimens. Heart failure was a possible result.  Some older diet pills are variants of amphetamines, which is a "sympathomimetic". Chronic use of such agents can lead to cardiomyopathy that may result in heart failure.  New agents better?

Question 9

i'm taking a percription diet pill call phintermine which is the generic brand of adapex. i've had success with this med but i'm worried about possible heart failure in the future. my heart looks good now and my doctor has no concern with me taking it. sh

Accepted Answer

Relax some: Two decades ago there was much concern over the association of taking the combination of phentermine &amp; fenfluramine in a rare form of heart damage.  Taken by itself, it is not a problem. It is good they have been monitoring your condition, but I would not loose sleep over it.

Question 10

is blood pressure usually low in someone with heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Only severe one: BP can be high or low in chf. In very advanced CHF it is common for BP to stay on lower side.

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Doctor answers about:

Low salt diet heart failure

A member asked:

My husband has fought conjestive heart failure and low soduim and low potassium , is it safe to be 121 in sodium?

A member asked:

Is a sodium level of 134 low? i have an atrial septa defect & atrial septal aneurysm could it be heart failure ? i also had fatty liver but don't now

A member asked:

If i have mitral regurgitation, will i get a heart failure/attack if i get too puffy from salt?

A member asked:

Nt-pro-bnp determination of n-terminal type b sodium urethic peptide is this blood test shows if person has heart failure?

A member asked:

Can epsom salt help with edema, like from heart failure or liver failure? will it help with chronic venous insufficiency?

A member asked:

Heart failure diet to lose water retention?

A member asked:

If i change my diet, would i be able to avoid heart failure?

A member asked:

Could diet pills cause heart failure?

A member asked:

I'm taking a percription diet pill call phintermine which is the generic brand of adapex. i've had success with this med but i'm worried about possible heart failure in the future. my heart looks good now and my doctor has no concern with me taking it. sh

A member asked:

Is blood pressure usually low in someone with heart failure?

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