# Nutrition in Congenital Heart Defects in the Adult Stage
Salt intake and blood pressure
In many congenital heart defects, blood pressure regulation plays an important role. Research shows that elevated blood pressure can contribute to serious complications, especially in certain heart structures. Salt (sodium) in food directly affects blood pressure regulation.
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
Lower salt intake is recommended in guidelines for heart patients because sodium promotes fluid retention and can raise blood pressure. For adults with congenital heart defects, the same logic applies: less salt can help keep blood pressure stable. This is especially relevant for patients with left heart defects or pulmonary hypertension.
Salt is not only found in table salt, but especially in processed foods (ready-made meals, cured meats, cheese, bread). Your doctor or dietitian can advise what is appropriate for your situation.
Fluid intake
In some forms of congenital heart defects — especially after so-called Fontan procedures, where the heart rhythm changes — fluid retention (accumulation of fluid in the body) can occur. This can cause swelling, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
In Fontan patients, recent studies are looking at how nutrition and fluid balance affect liver function and blood circulation. Research shows that fluid management is important, although this varies greatly from person to person and depending on the stage of the disease.
Your doctor will advise whether you need to adjust your fluid intake. This is not done simply with numbers, but always based on your own symptoms and measurements (weight, blood tests).
Vitamin K and Blood Thinners
Many adults with congenital heart defects are prescribed blood thinners (anticoagulants), especially if they have an artificial valve or atrial fibrillation.
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
Vitamin K (especially from vegetables and certain oils) can interfere with the action of some blood thinners (coumarin derivatives).
Food with vitamin K is healthy and necessary, but it is about *consistency*: eating the same amount of vegetables day after day gives more stable blood values than regularly eating large amounts and then little. Sudden large amounts of lettuce, broccoli, or sprouts can have an effect.
Check with your pharmacy or doctor if you eat a lot of green vegetables or plan to start. With newer blood thinners, this is usually much less of a problem.
Weight and Heart Strain
A healthy weight contributes to lower heart strain. In many congenital heart defects, the heart already works under extra pressure.
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
Overweight increases the heart's oxygen and energy needs. In people with reduced heart function, this can more quickly lead to complaints.
This does not mean you should diet or restrict yourself. It is about feeling a stable, healthy weight for you. A dietitian can help you find an eating pattern that suits you and gives you energy without unnecessary strain.
Electrolytes (Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium)
Heart rhythm is partly determined by minerals in your blood, especially potassium and magnesium.
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
A deficiency in these substances can cause or worsen heart rhythm disorders, which is risky for someone with a congenital heart defect.
Certain foods (bananas, nuts, dark green vegetables for potassium; whole grain products, nuts, dairy for magnesium) contain a lot of these minerals. Whether you need more of these depends on:
- Your specific heart defect
- Your medicines (certain diuretics can affect minerals)
- Your blood test results
Never take mineral supplements on your own without consulting your doctor, because too much can be as harmful as too little.
Caffeine and Heart Rhythm
Caffeine (from coffee, tea, energy drinks) can cause increased heart rate.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
In people with sensitivity to rhythm disorders, caffeine can trigger or worsen irregularities in heart rhythm.
This is very individual: some people notice nothing from a cup of coffee, while others get palpitations from it. Many heart patients tolerate moderate amounts of coffee well. If you notice that your heart rate becomes irregular after caffeine, it may be worth reducing it or cutting it out of your diet.
Alcohol
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Alcohol can, among other things, disrupt heart rhythm and promote fluid retention. In certain congenital heart defects, especially those with arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, alcohol can be risky.
Regular heavy alcohol consumption can also weaken the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). Moderate alcohol use (small amounts) does not pose a direct problem for many adults with stable heart defects, but your own healthcare provider can assess this better.
Diet and heart valve infections
Patients with congenital heart defects sometimes have a slightly increased risk of heart valve inflammation (infectious endocarditis), especially after dental procedures.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Good oral health is important. Diet plays an indirect role here: healthy eating with enough vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes) and zinc (meat, fish, grains) supports the immune system.
However, this is not a special "protective diet": ordinary healthy eating is sufficient. Prevention mainly consists of good oral care and, where necessary, antibiotics for risky procedures.
Body composition and endurance exercise
With prolonged limited heart function, muscle loss can occur because the body can no longer supply enough energy.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Adequate protein intake (fish, meat, legumes, dairy, eggs) helps preserve muscles. This is particularly important for adults with complex heart defects or reduced exercise tolerance.
A dietitian can help find an eating pattern that contains enough calories and proteins without unnecessarily burdening the heart.
Supplements and nutritional supplements
Advised againstiProven ineffective or harmful, or dangerous in combination with your treatment
Taking supplements on your own (coenzyme Q10, omega-3 supplements, certain herbal mixtures) without your healthcare provider's permission can cause interactions with heart medications and can be risky. This also applies to many "natural" or "holistic" products.
Although some supplements have been studied, their dosages and purity are not always controlled, and interactions are not always clear. Always discuss this first with your cardiologist, pharmacist, or dietitian.
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_This information never replaces a doctor's judgment. Always discuss your situation with your own healthcare provider._