Dietary Adjustment for Cardiovascular Disease Patients

In the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, proper diet is very important. Patients must strictly observe the following dietary rules:
1. Control cholesterol intake. Research shows that individuals with high cholesterol have a coronary heart disease incidence rate five times higher than normal. Therefore, cardiovascular disease patients should avoid foods high in cholesterol such as animal brain matter, internal organs, egg yolks, crab roe, etc.

2. Control the quality and quantity of fat intake. Saturated fatty acids raise blood cholesterol levels, while polyunsaturated fatty acids lower cholesterol. Thus, intake of saturated fats like lard and beef tallow should be controlled.
3. Eat more foods rich in vitamin C, such as vegetables and fruits. Vitamin C increases vascular elasticity and protects blood vessels.
4. Increase dietary fiber intake. Fiber binds to cholesterol and prevents its absorption by the body.
5. Limit salt intake. High salt consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. People with mild hypertension or a family history of hypertension should limit daily salt intake to under 5 grams. For those with higher blood pressure or heart failure, daily salt intake should be limited to 1–2 grams.
6. Eat small meals frequently; avoid binge eating. Avoid eating too much at dinner, as this may trigger acute myocardial infarction.
Cardiovascular disease patients should also quit smoking, limit alcohol, avoid strong tea, and consider using the following medicinal foods:
1. Hawthorn: Eating 1–2 hawthorns daily lowers blood pressure. Suitable for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or coronary heart disease.
2. Garlic: Its active components inhibit the development of atherosclerosis, reduce lipids, and prevent blood clotting. Should be eaten regularly.
3. Seaweed and kelp: Experiments show both lower lipids and blood pressure, delay atherosclerosis progression. Coronary heart disease patients should consume regularly.
4. Lotus seeds: Have calming, mind-soothing, and spleen-kidney tonifying effects. Beneficial for palpitations, irritability, insomnia, and vivid dreams.
5. Longan flesh: Nourishes heart and spleen, enriches blood and qi.
6. Corn silk: Drinking corn silk decoction has blood pressure-lowering and diuretic effects.
7. Others: Patients with cardiovascular disease can choose to eat silver ear fungus, black wood ear, water bamboo shoots, and straw mushrooms.