The job of the heart is to pump blood and oxygen through the body.

Blood enters the right atrium where it is sent through the right ventricle to the lungs, where oxygen will be added. Then the blood + oxygen pairing comes in through the left atrium, where it is pushed out of the left ventricle to continue throughout the body.  

You can think of this process as a well-rehearsed dance. This is a synchronized, automatic process that can easily be disrupted. If one dance partner missteps, then the routine can be thrown off. This is known as heart failure.  

In the United States, nearly 6.7 million adults 20 years old or older have heart failure with 960,000 new heart failure cases annually. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups 

The term "heart disease" is used to refer to all of the conditions that affect the heart. Below is a list of some diseases that may be classified as heart disease:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This is the most common type of heart disease. It happens with plaque builds up in the arteries which can lead to heart attacks, chest pain, and ultimately heart failure. Blockages can lead to decrease blood flow and oxygen.   

• Arteriosclerosis: This is the name for hardening of the arteries. When arteries are stiff, it can lead to high blood pressure.  

• Congenital Heart Disease: A type of heart disease you are born with, occurs in utero while baby is in the womb 

• Heart Failure: When the heart doesn't pump as well as it should to meet your body’s needs.  

• Stroke: Blockage of blood flow to the brain  

• Heart Attack: A blockage of blood flow to the heart  

• Heart Arrhythmias: This term refers to irregular beating patterns 

• Heart Valve Disease: The heart has 4 valves that iopen and close to direct the flow of blood throughout the body. Heart valve disease may make it hard for a valve to open and close the right way which can lead to blocked or leaking blood flow.  

• Endocarditis: Infection caused by bacteria that can damage heart valves. 

• Rheumatic Heart Disease: Heart muscle and valves are damaged by fever.   

• Pericardial Disease: Disease of pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart, caused by an infection or inflammatory disease.

• Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle, or myocardium. 

When the heart can no longer keep up with its workload, it is referred to as heart failure. As a result, the body’s cells are no longer getting enough blood or oxygen. 

Congestive Heart Failure is the term used to explain heart failure that leads to fluid build-up in the organs. This occurs when one or more of the chambers of the heart struggle to keep up with the body’s workload.  

Heart failure is caused by a number of factors. In addition to a genetic component, high blood pressure, obesity, irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia), alcohol intake, smoking, ageing, anemia, and overactive thyroid can all contribute. 

While heart disease is not reversible, there are steps you can take to slow damage and ease the strain on your heart. Diet and lifestyle interventions can help to repair damage and avoid further complications.  

The heart will take matters into its own hands to try to fix this by: 

• Stretch: The heart stretches to contract more as an effort to keep up with the body’s demand to pump more blood 

• Bulk: The heart will start to increase muscle mass as it works harder 

• Speed Up: The pumping will increase to help increase with output 

• Narrow: Blood vessels will narrow to help keep blood pressure up and compensate for loss of power 

• Retain: Kidney’s will also try to jump in by holding onto salt and water (instead of excreting as they should). This will help increase blood volume and maintain blood pressure. Over time this extra volume puts a strain on both heart and kidneys.  

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are all risk factors for heart disease. As a result, lifestyle interventions that target these 3 factors are essential for reducing your risk for heart disease.  

• Limit sodium- Salt should be restricted because too much can lead to more fluid retention, which can increase blood pressure. Aim for less than 2000 mg/day. 

• Limit fluid in your diet to help control swelling and shortness of breath 

• Limit saturated fat: Contributes to clogged arteries. Limit butter and margarine, opt for olive and avocado oil. Trim the fat off cuts of meat. 

• Limit refined and added sugars which are often found in sodas, premade baked goods, sweets, and treats.  

• Prioritize lean proteins: Chose poultry, fish, lean cuts of beef/pork (like loin or round) and plant-based sources of protein. Instead of frying, opt to bake, broil, roast, stew, or stir-fry which helps to reduce saturated fats.  

• Increase Omega-3s: Omega-3s help to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol. Increase your intake of olive or avocado oil, walnuts, salmon, sardines, avocados, and/or consider a fish oil pill. 

• Increase fiber: Fiber helps to reduce cholesterol, which lowers your chances of clogged arteries and plaque build-up. It also helps to maintain regular digestion and bowel movements.  

• Increase fruits and veggies: Opt for fresh fruit and veggies to increase antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients in your diet. Canned optiosn are safe as long as they contain low or no sodium on the label. Frozen fruits and veggies are also a great option.   

• Regular physical activity: Physical activity can help condition the heart, maintain healthy weight, and reduce cholesterol.  

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put a strain on the heart.  

• Limit alcohol: Can cause increase in blood pressure, weakened heart muscles, irregular heartbeat, and plaque build-up.  

1. Beto J. Eating & Nutrition for Hemodialysis | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Published April 4, 2019. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/hemodialysis/eating-nutrition