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Nutritional Interventions in Heart Failure: Challenges and Opportunities

  • Pharmacologic Therapy (W.H.W. Tang, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Heart Failure Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

There is a growing body of evidence that nutritional factors influence the incidence of heart failure (HF). The current manuscript aims to collate evidence relating to nutritional intervention in the treatment of HF as well as to provide context regarding challenges and opportunities in the field.

Recent Findings

Despite the accepted importance of nutritional factors relating to cardiovascular disease severity, there is surprisingly little human intervention research regarding dietary intake and HF. Further, existing nutritional interventions in HF were mostly pilot studies with small samples and short follow-up.

Summary

There is consistent evidence that nutritional factors majorly influence HF. Despite limited research, there is evidence that nutritional modification can rapidly and profoundly influence multiple aspects of HF. There is an urgent need for well-conducted research to ascertain if nutritional modification can alter the long-term course of HF.

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Abbreviations

CVD:

Cardiovascular disease

CVEs:

Cardiovascular events

DART:

Diet And Reinfarction Trial

DASH:

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension

DASH-DHF:

DASH-Diastolic Heart Failure

HF:

Heart failure

MedDiet:

Mediterranean diet

MI:

Myocardial infarction

PREDIMED:

Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Chronic Cardiovascular Disease Management Unit and Heart Failure Unit, St Vincent’s Healthcare Group/St Michael’s Hospital, County Dublin, Ireland

    Conor P. Kerley

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Kerley, C.P. Nutritional Interventions in Heart Failure: Challenges and Opportunities. Curr Heart Fail Rep 15, 131–140 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-018-0388-6

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