Effect of DASH Eating Pattern on Heart Failure Outcomes

Effect of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Eating Pattern on Cardiometabolic Markers in Advanced Heart Failure Patients

The objective of the study is to examine the effect of nutritional intake on cardiometabolic, inflammation, and physical function markers in advanced heart failure patients using a one-group pre-post test design feeding trial. Effects on hemodynamic markers will be assessed in a subsample of patients with implanted hemodynamic monitoring devices (CardioMEMS). The pre-test condition is represented by participants' self-selected diet, and the post-test condition is represented by a prescribed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18+ years of age
2. English language literacy
3. Diagnosis of HF ≥ 3 months
4. Diagnosis of NYHA Class III HF (historical assessment)
5. Subjects must be stable on HF medication regimen for one month prior to study entry
6. At least 1 HF hospitalization within 24 months of enrollment
7. BNP >200 pg/ml

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects who have had an unplanned HF-related hospitalization within 2 months of enrollment
2. Subjects with a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) <25 ml/min who are nonresponsive to diuretic therapy or who are on chronic renal dialysis
3. Subjects likely to undergo heart transplantation within 2 months of enrollment
4. Subjects with severe conditions limiting 6-month survival
5. Unavailability during scheduled data collection points
6. Cognitive impairment