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Using an electronic monitoring device may help heart failure patients and their families stick to a low-salt diet, according to a new research. 

The research proposed a program (called Family Sodium Watcher Program) that focuses on a partnership between the heart failure and a caregiver/member of the family to adopt the taste of a low-salt diet. The program also includes using an electronic monitoring device to detect salt content in food and avoid high-salt food during the adaptation period, the press release added.

 In the three-month trial of 15 patient-caregiver pairs:

The intervention group of eight patients received 12 weeks of self-care education for heart failure with gradual adaptive strategies in salt intake. Participants said the device was easy to use and helped them maintain a low-sodium diet. Some said they enjoyed their low-salt diets more and 90 percent noticed a change in their ability to taste salt in their food. Caregivers reported no increased burden due to the program.

 The usual care/control group of seven patients didn't change behavior.

Researchers said the program may help the entire family improve their lifestyles. 

The research was presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014.