A normal sodium diet preserves serum sodium levels during treatment of acute decompensated heart failure: A prospective, blind and randomized trial

•Our results show that a normal sodium diet and a low sodium diet are equally effective regarding the resolution of congestion in ADHF patients.•A normal sodium diet was associated with more preserved serum sodium levels than a low sodium diet.•The normal sodium diet was associated with higher blood pressure and lower heart rate values.•Additionally, lower levels of neurohormonal activation was observed in the normal sodium diet group.