Diet For Coronary Heart Disease Patients

A heart-healthy diet is suggested for everyone, but above all for people suffering from any kind of heart ailment, including heart valve disease. This is also necessary for anyone who is about to have or has had valve surgery or valve replacement. Heart valve replacement surgery or repair solves the problem but does not eliminate the risk of developing heart diseases in the future. Post surgery care is extremely important so make sure the patient takes his medication as prescribed to ensure that proper levels of anticoagulation are maintained. It is also important that he follows up with scheduled blood tests as recommended. These tests will help to regulate the anticoagulation levels of the blood. The patient needs to make it a habit to carry patient identification on him. This will indicate the medications that he is on and their dosage, along with PT and INR levels. Any such identification will also need to indicate the fact that he has undergone valve replacement surgery.

Dietary changes will be an important factor and there are certain points that should be kept in mind.

Healthy Eating Tips for Healthy Heart

• After the surgery the patient can be put on a liquid diet or light diet for one to three days, depending on the recommendations of your physician. After this he may gradually resume a regular diet.
• Alcohol and certain foods too may affect the working of anticoagulants, so it is necessary for you to discuss his diet with the physician, as some dietary modification will be necessary. Foods containing vitamin K are believed to have a suppressing effect on these medications. Broccoli, sprouts, spinach, lettuce, brussels and peas are just some such foods. Cranberry juice is also known to reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants. Including these foods in his diet can increase the possibility of lowering INR and the formation of clots.
• Fats and oils should be used very sparingly, and eliminate the use of any foods with saturated fats like cream, cheese, butter, fatty meats, and bakery products. Instead of frying foods use other methods of preparation like baking, grilling and microwaving.
• Include low fat foods like poultry, lean meats, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products and cereals in the diet.
• consult a physician before taking any medications for any other condition and should never take un-prescribed over the counter medications even if something as mundane as aspirin. In addition to these dietary recommendations you can visit a dietician or nutritionist for a diet plan specifically formulated.