Coronary Artery Disease: Essential Care Tips for Recovery and Management

Coronary artery disease (CAD) requires specialized care, especially after hospital discharge. Establishing a scientific and comprehensive home care plan is crucial. This includes managing daily routines such as diet, digestion, rest, and physical activity. Patients should adopt a pattern of eating small, frequent meals rather than large portions. Overeating can strain the heart and should be strictly avoided.

Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines

One of the most important aspects of care is maintaining a low-sodium diet. For the general population, the recommended daily sodium intake is around 6 grams of sodium chloride. However, for individuals with coronary artery disease, this limit may need to be even stricter. To accurately determine if a patient is meeting low-sodium standards, a 24-hour urine collection can be analyzed in a lab to measure total sodium excretion. Adhering to this can potentially prevent 50-60% of hypertension-related heart conditions.

Healthy Fats and Cholesterol Management

A low-fat diet is equally important. Saturated fats found in animal oils and many types of cooking oils should be limited. Instead, patients should focus on unsaturated fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats, is a beneficial alternative. Cholesterol intake must also be carefully controlled. Foods high in cholesterol, particularly animal organs, should be minimized. For example, 100 grams of egg yolk contains approximately 250 mg of cholesterol, while 100 grams of pork brain contains an alarming 3,600 mg. Pork liver also contains excessive cholesterol levels. Therefore, it's vital to limit consumption of organ meats and other high-fat animal products.

Mental Health and Lifestyle Factors

Stress management is another critical component in the care of coronary artery disease. Emotional stress and lack of sleep, particularly among younger individuals, can significantly damage the inner lining of blood vessels, worsening heart conditions. Maintaining a balanced mental state and avoiding chronic stress is essential for long-term heart health.

Medication and Regular Monitoring

Patients should also ensure consistent medication use and regular medical follow-ups. If hypertension or diabetes is present, these conditions must be actively managed. Standard medications for coronary artery disease include lipid-lowering drugs, antiplatelet agents, and medications that improve myocardial ischemia. Monitoring heart rate and rhythm on a regular basis is also important. Symptoms such as frequent palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue should not be ignored and require prompt medical evaluation.

Adopting a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Developing a healthy lifestyle is key to long-term recovery. This includes regular physical activity, weight management, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, can help improve cardiovascular function without placing excessive strain on the heart. Overall, a proactive approach to lifestyle changes can significantly enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.