What is the daily sodium target commonly recommended for heart failure patients to help prevent fluid overload?

• A. About 6 g per day
• B. About 2 g per day or less
• C. About 0.5 g per day
• D. No sodium restriction is necessary

Answer: (B)

Limiting sodium helps control fluid balance in heart failure. Sodium draws water into the bloodstream, so eating more salt increases extracellular fluid, raises preload, and can worsen edema and breathing problems. Keeping sodium at about 2 g per day or less is a practical target that reduces fluid overload while remaining doable for most patients. More restrictive levels, like 0.5 g per day, are hard to sustain and may risk nutritional adequacy, while no restriction can lead to more edema, weight gain, and hospital readmissions. So, about 2 g per day or less best supports symptom control and fluid management in many heart failure patients.