Foods to Avoid for Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) are strongly advised to follow a low-salt and low-fat diet. This dietary approach helps reduce strain on the cardiovascular system and prevents the progression of heart-related complications. One of the primary dietary restrictions involves minimizing sodium intake, which means reducing the amount of table salt used in daily meals and completely avoiding high-sodium foods.

Why High-Sodium Foods Should Be Avoided

Consuming foods high in sodium can lead to water and sodium retention in the body, which in turn raises blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure increases the workload on the heart, potentially triggering heart failure. Examples of high-sodium foods include pickled vegetables, preserved foods, soybean paste, chips, fries, spicy hot pots, and instant noodle dishes like rice vermicelli. These items contain excessive amounts of sodium chloride and should be eliminated from the diet of individuals with CHD.

The Importance of a Low-Fat Diet

In addition to controlling salt intake, patients with coronary heart disease must also adhere to a low-fat diet. This includes using minimal amounts of both vegetable and animal oils when preparing meals. It's also essential to avoid foods that are naturally high in fats or prepared using excessive oil.

High-Fat Foods to Avoid

Some of the most problematic foods include fatty cuts of meat, squid, hairtail fish, egg yolks, organ meats, pork head meat, pork skin, and various nuts such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, walnuts, and pine nuts. These foods are rich in saturated and trans fats, which can elevate blood lipid levels, accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, and increase the risk of plaque buildup in the coronary arteries.

Potential Health Consequences

Failure to follow a low-fat diet can result in increased arterial blockage, worsening angina symptoms, and even triggering a heart attack. By making conscious dietary choices and eliminating high-risk foods, patients can significantly improve their heart health and reduce the likelihood of severe cardiac events.