Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsHow It WorksRestrictions and ModificationsConsiderations
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
How It Works
Restrictions and Modifications
Considerations
HCM usually is due to abnormal genes that cause the walls of the heart to pump harder and become thicker and stiffer than normal. Because of this, the amount of blood pumped in and out of the heart with each heartbeat is reduced.
A balanced and varied diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean protein is part of acardiac diet. Eating foods low in saturated fat and trans fats, while including small amounts of unsaturated fats, is also important. Choosing and preparingfoods with low sodium(salt) can also benefit your heart and blood pressure.
This article will discuss the benefits of a heart-healthy diet for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, how it works, foods to include or avoid, modifications, and considerations.
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Currently, there is no specific dietary plan recommended to reduce your chances of getting HCM or directly improve your HCM symptoms. Nevertheless, most experts agree that the basic principles of heart health apply—including following aheart-healthy diet. This is especially true for people with HCM who don’t have symptoms.
The American Heart Association (AHA) says a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes being physically active, eating healthy, maintaining a normal weight, gettingquality sleep, andnot smokingis recommended for people with HCM who don’t have symptoms.
If you have HCM with symptoms, the AHA recommends treatment to manage symptoms through medications and procedures.
There isn’t a lot of research on diets specific to HCM. However, a review study and case report show a possible benefit of diet as a supplemental treatment for HCM.
One review study looked at the combined effect of theMediterranean diet(which emphasizes healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes) and aerobic exercises on weight loss in people with obesity and HCM. The study revealed that participants with symptomatic HCM and obesity who followed a Mediterranean diet and an aerobic exercise program showed clinical improvement.
A single case study followed a 3-year-old female withmitochondrial disease(a genetic condition affecting the powerhouses of cells) and HCM.She was prescribed antioxidant supplementation with aketogenic diet(very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet).
Three years later, at age 6, the child had improved HCM, with normal heart wall thickness. This case report suggests that a ketogenic diet may improve HCM in children with coexisting mitochondrial disease.
Some people with HCM are at risk of developing heart failure. This is when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood for the body’s needs.If you have HCM complicated with heart failure, additional dietary restrictions may be recommended.
Guidelines for managing heart failure suggest that healthful eating patterns, particularly those that are weighted toward eating foods derived from plants, such as theMediterranean diet, whole grain, plant-based diet, and theDASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet(high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and low in sodium), may decrease the chances of developing heart failure.
Regardless of the few studies available on diet and HCM, many studies have shown a benefit of a heart-healthy eating pattern for heart health in general. Many experts agree that following a basic heart-healthy diet may benefit those with HCM.
The AHA recommends lifestyle changes, including following a healthy diet to help manage cardiomyopathies.This includes eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Consuming foods that are low in saturated fat and trans fats is an important part of a heart-healthy diet, as well as choosing and preparing foods low in sodium.
Other healthy food choices include lean meats, poultry without skin, fish, beans, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Additionally, it’s recommended to decrease added sugar intake from foods and beverages. Avoid drinking alcohol or drink in moderation.
Duration
A heart-healthy eating pattern for HCM is meant to be apermanent lifestyle change. To fully reap the benefits, choose healthful dietary changes that can be made into everyday habits. Build upon one small change after another until you can look back and see all the progress you have made to enjoy heart-healthy eating habits.
What to Eat
Foods to Encourage:VegetablesFruitsWhole grainsLegumes, including beansNuts and seedsLean cuts of poultryLean cuts of meatFish and seafoodEggsLow-fat or fat-free dairy productsVegetable oils (small to moderate amounts)Herbs and spicesFoods to Limit or Avoid:AlcoholFoods and beverages high in added sugarsSalt and foods high in sodium (discuss with your healthcare provider before strictly limiting)Deep-fried or greasy foodsHigh fat cuts of red meatProcessed meatsFoods high in saturated fatFoods with trans fatsHighly processed foodsLarge amounts of fluid (with current heart failure, depending on healthcare provider recommendations)
Foods to Encourage:VegetablesFruitsWhole grainsLegumes, including beansNuts and seedsLean cuts of poultryLean cuts of meatFish and seafoodEggsLow-fat or fat-free dairy productsVegetable oils (small to moderate amounts)Herbs and spices
Vegetables
Fruits
Whole grains
Legumes, including beans
Nuts and seeds
Lean cuts of poultry
Lean cuts of meat
Fish and seafood
Eggs
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products
Vegetable oils (small to moderate amounts)
Herbs and spices
Foods to Limit or Avoid:AlcoholFoods and beverages high in added sugarsSalt and foods high in sodium (discuss with your healthcare provider before strictly limiting)Deep-fried or greasy foodsHigh fat cuts of red meatProcessed meatsFoods high in saturated fatFoods with trans fatsHighly processed foodsLarge amounts of fluid (with current heart failure, depending on healthcare provider recommendations)
Alcohol
Foods and beverages high in added sugars
Salt and foods high in sodium (discuss with your healthcare provider before strictly limiting)
Deep-fried or greasy foods
High fat cuts of red meat
Processed meats
Foods high in saturated fat
Foods with trans fats
Highly processed foods
Large amounts of fluid (with current heart failure, depending on healthcare provider recommendations)
Foods to Encourage
Include a variety of the foods listed below in your diet:
Foods to Limit or Avoid
Limit or avoid these foods as part of your overall diet:
Recommended Timing
There also isn’t a prescribed number of meals you should eat per day. Depending on your daily schedule, you might choose three meals a day with one to two snacks or five to six smaller meals throughout the day. Determine what fits best with your lifestyle and do your best to keep a fairly consistent meal schedule.
Cooking Tips
These suggestions may help you when following a heart-healthy diet:
Dietary Restrictions and Modifications
Before adjusting your eating habits, talk with your healthcare provider. They will help you decide what is best for you and your medical condition(s) and explore the potential side effects of the new eating pattern.
If you require additional dietary restrictions or modifications, your healthcare provider may also refer you to a registered dietitian who can provide more detailed nutrition education, counseling, and support.
Before changing your diet, it’s important to take into account the following considerations:
General Nutrition
This means one-half of your plate is filled with vegetables and fruits, one-quarter is filled with lean protein, and the remaining one-quarter is grains. You may choose to include a serving of low-fat or fat-free dairy.
Safety
The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day.The AHA goes further to recommend no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day for most adults.However, they point out that this may not be safe for everyone.
Because sodium depletion may be particularly dangerous in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, it would be worthwhile discussing your sodium intake with your healthcare provider before adopting a strict low-sodium diet.
There is also some evidence that alow-sodiumdiet could be harmful to certain people withcongestive heart failure. A study of people with chronic heart failure found that limiting sodium to less than 2,500 mg per day was associated with a significantly higher risk of death or hospitalization than people following a nonrestricted-sodium diet.
However, a 2014 review of 23 studies found that both high and low sodium intake was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (death) and heart disease events.
A 2020 review also found mixed results on sodium restriction in people with current congestive heart failure. Some studies suggested a beneficial effect of decreased sodium intake, while others found worsening symptoms.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that there may be multiple factors that could play a role in whether sodium restriction is beneficial or not. These include the extent of sodium restriction, the stage of heart failure, any fluid restrictions, medications, and other comorbidities (other health conditions the person has).
If you have heart failure or other medical conditions along with HCM, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should restrict your sodium intake.
Flexibility
You can customize a heart-healthy diet according to your nutritional needs and personal tastes. Many dining establishments offer heart-healthy options. If you are concerned, you can look up the restaurant menu online before dining out to find foods that fit your eating pattern.
If you find yourself frustrated with its limitations or feel it prevents you from being able to eat socially, talk to your healthcare provider or dietitian. They can help you find ways to adjust your eating pattern or provide tips to help you cope with these situations.
Side Effects
You might notice changes in your digestion when altering how or what you eat, including when starting a heart-healthy diet. For example, if you increase the amount of fiber in your diet too quickly, you’ll likely see a direct effect on yourbowel habits.
Over the course of a couple of a week or two, your body should adjust as it gets used to your new way of eating. However, if your symptoms do not improve or they get worse, you may need to visit your healthcare provider. Drinking more water, adding afiber supplement, and/or participating in regular physical activity might be enough to resolveconstipation.
Summary
There is no specific diet recommendation for people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, experts generally recommended a heart-healthy eating pattern. This includes consuming a variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean protein, and unsaturated fats while limiting or avoiding saturated and trans fats, alcohol, added sugars, and highly processed foods.
Consuming less salt and sodium can also benefit your heart and blood pressure. However, people with certain conditions should talk to their healthcare provider before following a low-sodium diet. A heart-healthy eating pattern is widely accepted as a safe and healthful way of eating for most people.
A Word From Verywell
Managing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may mean you’ll need to modify the way you eat. While a heart-healthy diet can be sustainable and flexible, it can take effort and follow-through to get the most from it.
Teaming up with your partner or a supportive friend or family member may make it easier to choose more healthful foods. You don’t have to do it all at once. Make one or two dietary changes at a time. When they become a habit, build off of them to form more new healthful eating habits.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Heart Association.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Limongelli G, Monda E, D’Aponte A, et al.Combined effect of mediterranean diet and aerobic exercise on weight loss and clinical status in obese symptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Heart Fail Clin. 2021;17(2):303-313. doi:10.1016/j.hfc.2021.01.003Deberles E, Maragnes P, Penniello-Valette MJ, Allouche S, Joubert M.Reversal of cardiac hypertrophy with a ketogenic diet in a child with mitochondrial disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Can J Cardiol. 2020;36(10):1690.e1-1690.e3. doi:10.1016/j.cjca.2020.04.024Heidenreich Paul A., Bozkurt Biykem, Aguilar David, et al.2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure.Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2022;79(17):e263-e421.American Heart Association.Prevention and treatment of cardiomyopathy.Slavin JL, Lloyd B.Health benefits of fruits and vegetables.Adv Nutr. 2012;3(4):506-516. doi:10.3945/an.112.002154Hollænder PL, Ross AB, Kristensen M.Whole-grain and blood lipid changes in apparently healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(3):556-72. doi:10.3945/ajcn.115.109165Soliman GA.Dietary fiber, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1155. doi:10.3390/nu11051155Ros E.Nuts and CVD.Br J Nutr. 2015;113(S2):S111-20. doi:10.1017/S0007114514003924Carson JAS, Lichtenstein AH, Anderson CAM, et al.Dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular risk: a science advisory from the American Heart Association.Circulation. 2020;141(3):e39-e53. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000743Lichtenstein AH, Appel LJ, Vadiveloo M, et al.2021 dietary guidance to improve cardiovascular health: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.Circulation. 2021;144(23). doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001031American Heart Association.Added sugars.Department of Agriculture.MyPlate.Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.American Heart Association.How much sodium should I eat per day?Doukky R, Avery E, Mangla A, et al.Impact of dietary sodium restriction on heart failure outcomes.JACC Heart Fail. 2016;4(1):24-35. doi:10.1016/j.jchf.2015.08.007Graudal N, Jürgens G, Baslund B, Alderman MH.Compared with usual sodium intake, low- and excessive-sodium diets are associated with increased mortality: a meta-analysis.Am J Hypertens. 2014;27(9):1129-1137. doi:10.1093/ajh/hpu028Billingsley HE, Hummel SL, Carbone S.The role of diet and nutrition in heart failure: A state-of-the-art narrative review.Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2020;63(5):538-551. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2020.08.004
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Heart Association.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Limongelli G, Monda E, D’Aponte A, et al.Combined effect of mediterranean diet and aerobic exercise on weight loss and clinical status in obese symptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Heart Fail Clin. 2021;17(2):303-313. doi:10.1016/j.hfc.2021.01.003Deberles E, Maragnes P, Penniello-Valette MJ, Allouche S, Joubert M.Reversal of cardiac hypertrophy with a ketogenic diet in a child with mitochondrial disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Can J Cardiol. 2020;36(10):1690.e1-1690.e3. doi:10.1016/j.cjca.2020.04.024Heidenreich Paul A., Bozkurt Biykem, Aguilar David, et al.2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure.Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2022;79(17):e263-e421.American Heart Association.Prevention and treatment of cardiomyopathy.Slavin JL, Lloyd B.Health benefits of fruits and vegetables.Adv Nutr. 2012;3(4):506-516. doi:10.3945/an.112.002154Hollænder PL, Ross AB, Kristensen M.Whole-grain and blood lipid changes in apparently healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(3):556-72. doi:10.3945/ajcn.115.109165Soliman GA.Dietary fiber, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1155. doi:10.3390/nu11051155Ros E.Nuts and CVD.Br J Nutr. 2015;113(S2):S111-20. doi:10.1017/S0007114514003924Carson JAS, Lichtenstein AH, Anderson CAM, et al.Dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular risk: a science advisory from the American Heart Association.Circulation. 2020;141(3):e39-e53. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000743Lichtenstein AH, Appel LJ, Vadiveloo M, et al.2021 dietary guidance to improve cardiovascular health: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.Circulation. 2021;144(23). doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001031American Heart Association.Added sugars.Department of Agriculture.MyPlate.Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.American Heart Association.How much sodium should I eat per day?Doukky R, Avery E, Mangla A, et al.Impact of dietary sodium restriction on heart failure outcomes.JACC Heart Fail. 2016;4(1):24-35. doi:10.1016/j.jchf.2015.08.007Graudal N, Jürgens G, Baslund B, Alderman MH.Compared with usual sodium intake, low- and excessive-sodium diets are associated with increased mortality: a meta-analysis.Am J Hypertens. 2014;27(9):1129-1137. doi:10.1093/ajh/hpu028Billingsley HE, Hummel SL, Carbone S.The role of diet and nutrition in heart failure: A state-of-the-art narrative review.Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2020;63(5):538-551. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2020.08.004
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Heart Association.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Limongelli G, Monda E, D’Aponte A, et al.Combined effect of mediterranean diet and aerobic exercise on weight loss and clinical status in obese symptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Heart Fail Clin. 2021;17(2):303-313. doi:10.1016/j.hfc.2021.01.003Deberles E, Maragnes P, Penniello-Valette MJ, Allouche S, Joubert M.Reversal of cardiac hypertrophy with a ketogenic diet in a child with mitochondrial disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Can J Cardiol. 2020;36(10):1690.e1-1690.e3. doi:10.1016/j.cjca.2020.04.024Heidenreich Paul A., Bozkurt Biykem, Aguilar David, et al.2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure.Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2022;79(17):e263-e421.American Heart Association.Prevention and treatment of cardiomyopathy.Slavin JL, Lloyd B.Health benefits of fruits and vegetables.Adv Nutr. 2012;3(4):506-516. doi:10.3945/an.112.002154Hollænder PL, Ross AB, Kristensen M.Whole-grain and blood lipid changes in apparently healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(3):556-72. doi:10.3945/ajcn.115.109165Soliman GA.Dietary fiber, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1155. doi:10.3390/nu11051155Ros E.Nuts and CVD.Br J Nutr. 2015;113(S2):S111-20. doi:10.1017/S0007114514003924Carson JAS, Lichtenstein AH, Anderson CAM, et al.Dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular risk: a science advisory from the American Heart Association.Circulation. 2020;141(3):e39-e53. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000743Lichtenstein AH, Appel LJ, Vadiveloo M, et al.2021 dietary guidance to improve cardiovascular health: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.Circulation. 2021;144(23). doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001031American Heart Association.Added sugars.Department of Agriculture.MyPlate.Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.American Heart Association.How much sodium should I eat per day?Doukky R, Avery E, Mangla A, et al.Impact of dietary sodium restriction on heart failure outcomes.JACC Heart Fail. 2016;4(1):24-35. doi:10.1016/j.jchf.2015.08.007Graudal N, Jürgens G, Baslund B, Alderman MH.Compared with usual sodium intake, low- and excessive-sodium diets are associated with increased mortality: a meta-analysis.Am J Hypertens. 2014;27(9):1129-1137. doi:10.1093/ajh/hpu028Billingsley HE, Hummel SL, Carbone S.The role of diet and nutrition in heart failure: A state-of-the-art narrative review.Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2020;63(5):538-551. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2020.08.004
American Heart Association.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Limongelli G, Monda E, D’Aponte A, et al.Combined effect of mediterranean diet and aerobic exercise on weight loss and clinical status in obese symptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Heart Fail Clin. 2021;17(2):303-313. doi:10.1016/j.hfc.2021.01.003
Deberles E, Maragnes P, Penniello-Valette MJ, Allouche S, Joubert M.Reversal of cardiac hypertrophy with a ketogenic diet in a child with mitochondrial disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Can J Cardiol. 2020;36(10):1690.e1-1690.e3. doi:10.1016/j.cjca.2020.04.024
Heidenreich Paul A., Bozkurt Biykem, Aguilar David, et al.2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure.Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2022;79(17):e263-e421.
American Heart Association.Prevention and treatment of cardiomyopathy.
Slavin JL, Lloyd B.Health benefits of fruits and vegetables.Adv Nutr. 2012;3(4):506-516. doi:10.3945/an.112.002154
Hollænder PL, Ross AB, Kristensen M.Whole-grain and blood lipid changes in apparently healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(3):556-72. doi:10.3945/ajcn.115.109165
Soliman GA.Dietary fiber, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease.Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1155. doi:10.3390/nu11051155
Ros E.Nuts and CVD.Br J Nutr. 2015;113(S2):S111-20. doi:10.1017/S0007114514003924
Carson JAS, Lichtenstein AH, Anderson CAM, et al.Dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular risk: a science advisory from the American Heart Association.Circulation. 2020;141(3):e39-e53. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000743
Lichtenstein AH, Appel LJ, Vadiveloo M, et al.2021 dietary guidance to improve cardiovascular health: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.Circulation. 2021;144(23). doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001031
American Heart Association.Added sugars.
Department of Agriculture.MyPlate.
Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.
American Heart Association.How much sodium should I eat per day?
Doukky R, Avery E, Mangla A, et al.Impact of dietary sodium restriction on heart failure outcomes.JACC Heart Fail. 2016;4(1):24-35. doi:10.1016/j.jchf.2015.08.007
Graudal N, Jürgens G, Baslund B, Alderman MH.Compared with usual sodium intake, low- and excessive-sodium diets are associated with increased mortality: a meta-analysis.Am J Hypertens. 2014;27(9):1129-1137. doi:10.1093/ajh/hpu028
Billingsley HE, Hummel SL, Carbone S.The role of diet and nutrition in heart failure: A state-of-the-art narrative review.Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2020;63(5):538-551. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2020.08.004
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