What to eat for angina pectoris
Sep 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Patients with angina pectoris can moderately consume foods such as deep-sea fish, oats, spinach, and nuts. They may also take medications as prescribed by a doctor, including nitroglycerin tablets, isosorbide mononitrate sustained-release tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, metoprolol succinate sustained-release tablets, and enteric-coated aspirin tablets. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, actively cooperate with treatment, take appropriate medications under a doctor's guidance, and maintain proper dietary management.
The core management strategy for angina pectoris is "medication as the mainstay, diet as support, and lifestyle intervention throughout." Regular use of anti-ischemic, antiplatelet, and lipid-regulating medications under medical guidance, combined with transforming your dining table into a second "pharmacy," can significantly reduce the frequency of angina attacks.
1. Recommended Foods
1. Deep-sea fish: Consume steamed or boiled salmon or mackerel twice weekly, with each portion about the size of your palm. This provides omega-3 fatty acids that lower triglycerides and stabilize the arterial intima.
2. Oats: Prepare 30–50 grams of plain oatmeal for breakfast. The beta-glucan in oats binds bile acids, aiding in the elimination of "bad cholesterol" (LDL) from the body.
3. Spinach: Blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then serve cold. This method preserves folate, potassium, and magnesium while reducing oxalate content. One 100-gram serving per day helps regulate blood pressure and vascular tone.
4. Nuts: A small handful (about 25 grams shelled) of raw almonds or walnuts daily supplies monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, improving lipid profiles and providing antioxidant benefits.
5. Black fungus (wood ear mushroom): Soak in cold water until fully rehydrated, then serve cold or lightly stir-fried. The polysaccharides in black fungus inhibit excessive platelet aggregation. Due to its mild anticoagulant effect, patients taking warfarin should inform their doctor to avoid increased bleeding risk.
2. Commonly Used Medications
1. Nitroglycerin tablets: At onset of chest pain, place 0.3–0.6 mg sublingually; effects begin within 1–3 minutes. Sit down after taking to prevent hypotension. If symptoms persist beyond 15 minutes, seek emergency medical help immediately.
2. Isosorbide mononitrate sustained-release tablets: Take once daily at a fixed time to maintain continuous coronary artery dilation. Swallow whole—do not split, crush, or stop abruptly—to avoid rebound angina.
3. Atorvastatin calcium tablets: Take approximately 20 mg in the evening to inhibit hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Long-term use may promote plaque regression. Liver enzymes and creatine kinase should be monitored every 3–6 months.
4. Metoprolol sustained-release tablets: Reduces myocardial oxygen demand by slowing heart rate; target resting heart rate is 55–60 beats per minute. Use with caution in patients with asthma or severe bradycardia. Discontinuation should be gradual.
5. Enteric-coated aspirin tablets: Take 75–100 mg daily to inhibit platelet aggregation. Swallow whole on an empty stomach to minimize gastric irritation. Seek medical evaluation promptly if black stools or subcutaneous bruising occur, as these may indicate bleeding.
3. Daily Precautions
Avoid smoking, limit alcohol intake, and reduce sodium consumption. Maintain BMI < 24. Perform at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, staying within limits that do not trigger chest pain. Regularly monitor blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid levels. Seek immediate medical attention if chest pain lasts longer than 20 minutes or fails to respond to nitroglycerin, to rule out acute myocardial infarction.
