What is the trade-off between net clinical effects and costs in terms of salt and fluid restriction programmes in people with heart failure?
No previously published economic evaluations were identified assessing the cost effectiveness of salt and/or fluid restriction programmes in people with heart failure. As described in the trade of between clinical benefits and harms above, the committee considered that the harms of salt and fluid restriction, particularly in terms of quality of life, outweighed the benefits in most circumstances, and therefore decided that salt and fluid restriction should not be routinely offered. Current practice is highly variable, but many health professionals do advise people with heart failure to restrict their salt and fluid intake. The committee therefore considered that implementing a do not routinely offer recommendation might improve quality of life for current heart failure patients and could also be cost saving due to reduced appointment time as most people will no longer require information and advice on how to restrict their intake of salt and fluid.