What should patients with rheumatic heart disease pay attention to in their diet?
Disease description:
My grandfather has recently developed rheumatic heart disease. I would like to ask the doctor, what dietary precautions should patients with rheumatic heart disease take?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Rheumatic heart disease is a chronic cardiac condition caused by repeated episodes of rheumatic fever, primarily affecting the heart valves, especially the mitral and aortic valves. This disease can lead to valve stenosis or insufficiency, thereby impairing normal heart function. For patients with rheumatic heart disease, appropriate dietary management is an essential component of treatment and disease control, helping to reduce the burden on the heart and prevent complications. Below are some dietary considerations for patients with rheumatic heart disease:
1. Limit salt intake, especially for patients with edema symptoms, who should strictly control their salt consumption to prevent worsening of edema.
2. Reduce intake of high-fat foods, as they are difficult to digest and can increase the burden on the heart, potentially triggering arrhythmias.
3. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and avoid consuming stimulant beverages such as strong tea and coffee, all of which can increase the burden on the heart and be detrimental to cardiac health.
4. Increase dietary fiber intake. Foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, can help improve intestinal health and promote heart health. Dietary fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, prevent atherosclerosis, and reduce the burden on the heart.
5. Consume more foods rich in vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, and milk, to enhance immunity and improve the condition.
