Salt is a mineral that is made of sodium and chloride. It is found in food, table salt, and sea salt.

Too much salt in your diet can cause fluid to build up, forcing your heart to work harder.

A low-salt diet will help your heart to work more efficiently and place less stress on your heart valve. It may even keep you out of the hospital.

The following tips can help you to lower salt and keep your diet heart-healthy.

Read Food Labels

• Choose any food in which the sodium (salt) content is 8% or less per serving

Reduce Salt in Cooking and Avoid Adding Salt at the Table

• Replace salt with fresh or dried herbs, unsalted spices, lemon juice, and flavoured vinegars
• Rinse canned vegetables before using them in cooking
• Try Mrs. Dash^™ or McCormick’s No Added Salt^™ seasoning blends

Prepare Meals Using Fresh Ingredients

• Use fresh or frozen foods wherever possible
• Aim for a variety of food from each food group every day
• Use canola or olive oils instead of hydrogenated or trans fats
• Don’t forget about keeping fibre up with whole grains and unsalted nuts and seeds

For more details about how to manage salt and fluid, ask for a copy of Heart Failure Patient Guide.

Eating Healthy

Making healthy food choices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These tips will get you on your way.

1. Cook at home more often. Cooking at home makes it easier to avoid processed foods. It can be as simple as scrambled eggs, whole grain toast, tomato and cucumber slices.
2. How you eat is as important as what you eat. Enjoy mealtimes and the food you eat! Don’t multitask. Avoid distractions like your computer or TV while you eat. Sit down and enjoy a meal at the table. If you live with others, make family dinner a priority.
3. Listen to your body. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you feel satisfied.
4. Eat at regular times. Eat breakfast within one to two hours after waking up. Don’t wait too long between your meals. It’s harder to make healthy choices when you’re hungry.
5. Plan healthy snacks. Try whole grain crackers and peanut butter or hummus, a piece of fruit and a few unsalted nuts, or frozen berries and plain yogurt.
6. Eat a variety of vegetables and fruit at every meal. Enjoy brightly coloured whole vegetables and fruit. Fresh or frozen, try them in different ways—raw, roasted, or sautéed.
7. Eat whole grains more often. Switch to brown rice, whole wheat pasta, dark rye bread or oatmeal. Try something new in your soup, salad or casserole like quinoa, bulgur or barley.
8. Eat fish at least twice a week. Trout, salmon, tuna and sardines are some tasty options. Try fresh, frozen or canned.
9. Include legumes like beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts and seeds more often. Add them to salads, soups and grain dishes such as rice, quinoa or couscous. Legumes can replace meat in your meals. Try a vegetarian chili.
10. Don’t be afraid of fat. You need fat for good health and it adds flavour to your cooking. Use plant-based fats such as olive or canola oil.

Preventing Other Infections

Your skin is a barrier against infection. Protect your skin by avoiding any body piercing or tattooing. Pay careful attention to any breaks or cuts in your skin.

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop:

• A fever
• An abscess or boil
• A cut that has become swollen or tender or draining pus
• Any other suspected infections including urinary tract infections

Notify your doctor if you experience increased shortness of breath or swelling of your ankles or feet.

Medic-Alert Bracelet

You will receive a Medic-Alert application form when you are discharged. Please wear this bracelet to alert health care professionals that you have an artificial heart valve. 

General Information 

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s website can provide you with information concerning all aspects of heart disease.

Diagnostic Tests

Heart Healthy and Low Salt Diets

For more information about a low salt diet, see Healthy Eating.