Malnutrition is common in patients with heart failure and is associated with higher hospital admissions and mortality rates (Habaybeh, Bordinhon de Moraes, Slee, & Avgerinou, 2020). The prevalence of malnourishment in heart failure can be as high as 69%. Patient with heart failure are also more likely to suffer from sarcopenia which in these patients is associated with an increased risk of mortality and poor quality of life (Nichols, et al., 2019).
Insufficient dietary protein intake is a strong predictor of developing sarcopenia in patients with heart disease. Unfortunately, not many studies have been looking into the protein needs of heart patients specifically. A recent meta-analysis looking into 5 different studies showed that protein supplementation could lead to improved lean body mass, improved performance, health related quality of life and appears to be safe. More studies are needed to determine the amount of protein needed per day in heart failure patients (Nichols, et al., 2019). At this moment, it seems most pragmatic to take the sarcopenia advice.
A recent paper concluded that nutritional intervention in general additional to conventional treatment, led to a decrease in all-cause mortality and hospital readmission (Habaybeh, Bordinhon de Moraes, Slee, & Avgerinou, 2020).