Dietary sodium restriction is an important part of the selfmanagement in patients with HF. Available prospective data
from this study support the assertion that a daily limit of 3 g
of dietary sodium intake is associated with lower symptom
burden and longer cardiac event-free survival as health
outcomes. Therefore, it is clinically important to help HF
patients recognise their daily sodium intake before initiating
an SRD. Further, teaching focused on continuous monitoring
for the level of dietary sodium intake as well as changes in HF
symptoms at home would be necessary in clinical area.
Additionally, following new strategies targeting to gradual
and progressive adjustments to 3 g of daily sodium intake
could be helpful in patient education: (1) educate them to
avoid dietary habitual patterns related to high sodium diet by
role play after in-depth interview with food diaries, (2) give
detailed individualised information about the use of alternative seasonings or condiments to satisfy their tastes, (3)
encourage them to use a portable device for measuring and
monitoring the dietary sodium level of their usual foods at
home, (4) motivate a primary care giver to cook and eat an
SRD in company with HF patients, and (5) reinforce them to
maintain an SRD through continuous monitoring and
rewards.