[Medical Q&A] What foods should patients with cardiovascular disease avoid? How can we improve heart health through diet?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Chen Wei, Chief Physician, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Dietary adjustments are very important for patients with cardiovascular disease because poor eating habits can put a greater burden on the heart and increase the risk of heart disease. To improve heart health, patients need to avoid certain foods and make reasonable dietary choices to enhance heart function.

High-salt foods are the "number one taboo" for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, which is the main cause of heart disease. Various processed foods, packaged foods, canned foods, pickled foods and fast food often contain a lot of salt, and patients with heart disease should try to avoid them. At the same time, foods rich in saturated fat (such as fatty meat and full-fat dairy products) should also be reduced appropriately, because these foods will increase the level of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, LDL) and increase the risk of arteriosclerosis. In addition, trans fats (usually found in some fried foods and baked foods) are also harmful to heart health. They will lower "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, HDL) and increase "bad" cholesterol, so they need to be avoided.

A diet that improves heart health should be based on healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and fish (especially deep-sea fish rich in omega-3) to help lower "bad" cholesterol and increase "good" cholesterol. Foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, beans, and fruits and vegetables, can help lower cholesterol and maintain weight, which is essential for heart health. Antioxidants in vegetables and fruits help reduce inflammation in the body and protect blood vessels from damage.

In addition, cardiovascular patients should also choose low-fat proteins, such as fish, chicken breast, beans, etc., and reduce the intake of red meat and processed meat products to avoid excessive saturated fat. Controlling the intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates can also help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease caused by diabetes and obesity.

Through a reasonable diet and lifestyle, patients with cardiovascular disease can effectively improve their heart health and reduce the burden of the disease.