To reduce fluid build-up and swelling, heart failure patients are advised to reduce their sodium intake to 2.5 grams a day (most Americans consume 3.4 grams in their daily diet). However, an analysis of data from nine studies found that cutting sodium to less than 2.5 grams a day does not confer additional heart benefits and may even increase the risk of early death. First author Dr. Anirudh Palicherla adds, “Limiting sodium is still the way to go to help manage heart failure, but the amount of restriction has been up for debate… This study shows that the focus should be on establishing a safe level of sodium consumption instead of overly restricting sodium.” American College of Cardiology, February 2023