Uptake of Dietary Sodium Restriction by Overweight and Obese Patients after Cardiac Revascularization

Purpose High sodium intake increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac patients are recommended a daily sodium restriction of ≤1,500 mg. The purpose of this article is to describe daily sodium intake and sodium restriction adherence and its correlates in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program participants following cardiac revascularizations. Design This is a descriptive correlational study. Methods A subanalysis was performed using the data collected from a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of a 12-week weight management intervention. Findings The average daily sodium intake was 3,020 mg ± 1,134 at baseline, 4,047 mg ±1,517 at 4 months, and 4,399 mg ± 1,722 at 6 months. The adherence rates were 4.8% at baseline and zero at 4 and 6 months. The factors influencing daily sodium intake were identified. Conclusion The CR program participants failed to adhere to the sodium restriction guidelines. Clinical relevance Rehabilitation nurses need to identify effective strategies to educate CR participants and their family members regarding dietary sodium adherence in CR participants.