Describes the dietary quality and achievement of recommended dietary goals and assess correlates of goal achievement in a national sample of persons with heart failure. Data source is NHANES, a a series of cross-sectional studies conducted by the CDC to provide health information representative of the civilian population. Data from 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004, 2005-2006 cycles were used. Study limitations include self-reported heart failure diagnosis and diet and cross-sectional design. Study implications: Dietary quality of persons with heart failure is poor, with persons of lower education, overweight and obese persons and smokers at greatest risk. Poor diet places persons with heart failure at risk for greater symptoms, poorer quality of life, worsening comorbidities and greater mortality rates. Behavioral scientists and clinicians are challenged to develop appropriate dietary interventions targeted for this population.