Nutrition as Treatment Modality in Heart Failure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to discuss recent evidence and controversies regarding nutrition as a treatment modality for heart failure (HF) patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Adequate nutrition is known to promote health-related quality of life by addressing malnutrition and promoting optimal functioning among older adults and has an established role in the prevention of HF; however, evidence is limited on the effects of nutrition as a treatment modality in HF. While guidance of sodium restriction to address fluid overload is an ongoing debate among experts, evidence from case studies and small clinical trials suggest a positive impact of plant-based and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary patterns on HF-related pathophysiology, quality of life, hospital admissions, and mortality. More clinical trials are needed to establish an evidence base to support dietary management strategies for patients with HF. Clinical and Translational Science Alliances (CTSAs) may provide infrastructure to overcome enrollment barriers.