Heart Failure

Publication Date: May 11, 2018

Screening and Referral

Screening and Referral

The registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) plays an integral role in the interdisciplinary healthcare team by designing the optimal nutrition prescription that complements drug therapy, physical activity, and behavioral therapy.

Based on the client’s treatment plan and comorbid conditions, other nutrition practice guidelines may be needed in order to provide optimal treatment.


HF: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)

For adults with heart failure (HF) (NYHA Classes I–IV/AHA Stages B, C and D), the RDN should provide MNT to treat HF and contributing comorbidities, such as hypertension, disorders of lipid metabolism, diabetes mellitus and obesity. Every patient with HF should have a clear, detailed, and evidence-based plan of care that ensures the achievement of guideline determined medical therapy (GDMT) goals, effective management of comorbid conditions, timely follow-up with the healthcare team, appropriate dietary and physical activities, and compliance with secondary prevention guidelines for cardiovascular disease. Research reports that MNT resulted in a significant decrease in sodium intake and maintenance of body weight. (Strong, Imperative)
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HF: Frequency and Duration of MNT

For adults with HF (NYHA Classes I–IV/AHA Stages B and C), the RDN should provide an initial MNT encounter lasting 30–60 minutes, with a follow-up encounter four to six weeks later, and determine if and when additional MNT encounters are needed. Research reports that this frequency and duration of MNT resulted in a significant decrease in sodium intake, as well as maintenance of serum sodium levels and body weight. (Fair, Conditional)
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HF: Frequency and Duration of MNT in Advanced HF

For adults with advanced HF (NYHA Class IV/AHA Stage D), the RDN should provide an initial MNT encounter and additional follow-up encounters as often as every two weeks. Research reports that this frequency and duration of MNT resulted in increased exercise tolerance, higher physical component scores on quality of life measures and decreased anxiety, as well as maintenance of body weight. (Fair, Conditional)
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Nutrition Assessment

...Nutrition Assessment...

...n Assessment The RDN should assess the followi...


...e 1. Nutrition Assessment and Monit...


...nt with HF should have a clear, detailed, and...


...HF: Measure Restin...

...alorimetry is available, the RDN should use...

...mate RMR in AdultsIf indirect calo...

...te RMR in Adults with Advanced HFIf indirect calo...

...timate Total Energy Needs Using RMR and Activ...


Nutrition Intervention

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...ualize Energy IntakeFor adults with HF (NY...


...nal Weight Loss in Obesity and HFFor adul...


...ualize Protein IntakeFor adults with HF (NYHA...


...idualize Sodium and Fluid IntakeFor adu...


...courage Individualized Physical Act...


...n Self-Care for AdultsFor adults with...


...n of Care for AdultsFor adults with HF (NYHA...


...lt with Interdisciplinary Health Car...


Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation

Nutrition...

...Evaluate Effectiveness of MNTThe RDN sho...