What dietary modification might be necessary for an elderly person with heart disease?

For an elderly person with heart disease, implementing a fluid-restricted diet can be crucial for managing their condition. Heart disease often leads to fluid retention, which can increase blood pressure and worsen symptoms such as swelling and shortness of breath. By limiting fluid intake, healthcare providers can help manage these symptoms and reduce the strain on the heart.

A fluid-restricted diet can also prevent complications that arise from excessive fluid accumulation in the body, known as congestive heart failure. In this context, careful monitoring and adjustments to hydration can play an essential role in maintaining health and comfort.

In contrast, increasing sodium intake may exacerbate fluid retention, making heart disease symptoms worse. Allowing unlimited water intake could similarly lead to fluid overload, while encouraging high-calorie snacks is generally not recommended, as this could lead to weight gain and additional stress on the heart. Thus, a fluid-restricted diet is a vital dietary modification that aligns with the needs of someone managing heart disease.