PT health life – By following a reasonable diet combined with compliance with medical treatment, people with rheumatic heart disease can improve their health, improve their quality of life and prevent dangerous complications.
1. The importance of diet for people with rheumatic heart disease
According to experts at the Institute of Cardiology, rheumatic heart disease is an acute systemic inflammatory disease (related to the immune system) that occurs after one or more episodes of pharyngitis caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus according to the classification of the World Health Organization. Lancefield. The disease is manifested by a syndrome including: Polyarthritis , carditis, chorea, subcutaneous granulation, erythema ring.
If the disease is detected early and treated promptly and properly, it can be completely cured. If the disease is detected late or treated incorrectly, it will lead to severe heart failure and even death. Common complications are damage to the heart valves causing valve stenosis, valve regurgitation or valvular regurgitation . There can also be complications of myocarditis and pericarditis (but less common).
Doctor. Le Anh, Bach Mai Hospital, said that although rheumatic heart disease is very dangerous, it is a disease that can be prevented by practicing lifestyle and activities such as keeping a clean living environment, hygiene of the body and nose and throat area. Regularly, cleanly, keep your neck, chest, nose and throat warm in winter, eat enough nutrients to improve resistance.
Dietary changes are an important part of treating and managing rheumatic heart disease. Some specific dietary changes that are beneficial for patients include reducing sodium and fat intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods. Consider eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids , which can help fight any inflammatory disease, including scarlet fever. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of heart valve disease and improve heart function. They are found in fish oil supplements, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, herring, scallops, oysters, lobster, walnuts, soybeans…
Note, it is best to consult a doctor or nutritionist about which dietary changes are best for people with rheumatic heart disease.
2. Nutrition for people with rheumatic heart disease
Therefore, the diet needs to be built based on each person’s health status, disease severity and nutritional needs .
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Health Sciences Research and Training, taking care of patients with rheumatic heart inflammation, in addition to complying with doctor’s treatment, diet and rest are important in addition to taking medication. Treatment, especially when there is severe heart failure, specifically:
+ Eat bland food depending on the level of heart failure: absolutely bland (no salt) or relatively bland (from 2 to 4 grams of salt/day). The family cooks boiled or fried dishes without salt or follows the hospital’s bland diet. Note to patients and families that some foods are bland but still contain salt: bread, sticky rice, porridge, pho… Explain so that the patient understands and voluntarily accepts this “unpalatable” diet and avoids eating salt.
+ For other healthy foods: do not restrict, do not abstain, you should eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and protein-rich foods. When patients with rheumatic heart disease are receiving cardiotonic and diuretic treatment, it is recommended to eat fruits high in potassium: sapodilla, bananas, grapes, etc.
+ You should not drink a lot of water when you have edema or severe heart failure.
In addition, people with severe heart failure need to rest, eat and drink hygienically every day in bed, change positions gently, and stay in a half-lying, half-sitting position when having difficulty breathing. Doctors and nurses will evaluate the patient’s daily diet, water intake and urine in detail.
For cases without heart failure or mild heart failure, rest is also needed to avoid complications leading to heart failure or worsening heart failure. The rest regime must also be followed for many weeks at home to allow the carditis to fully recover and avoid valve sequelae.
3. Refer to the foods you should eat and avoid when you have rheumatic heart disease
Doctors say that people with rheumatic heart disease should adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity. People with rheumatic heart disease need to stay away from cigarette smoke and do not drink alcohol. You should eat a variety of foods from a variety of different food groups to provide your body with all the necessary nutrients. Be sure to drink enough water every day according to your doctor’s instructions.
Even small changes in diet and lifestyle can improve the health of people with rheumatic heart disease. Minimize foods such as meat, dairy, and processed foods that are high in saturated fat. In general, eat foods low in cholesterol, saturated fat and salt. Prioritize certain foods known to protect the heart – seafood, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, legumes, onions, garlic, olive oil, foods rich in vitamins C, E and beta carotene.
If the person with rheumatic heart disease is overweight , adopt a healthy weight loss diet plan and stick to it. Obesity puts stress on the cardiovascular system.
Eat foods rich in fiber
Make sure your diet is balanced and contains plenty of fiber. Fiber from grains, vegetables, and fruits is most beneficial. Eat lots of grains, legumes, fruits, fresh vegetables, and organically produced nuts.
Increase foods rich in antioxidants
Foods rich in antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium) fight free radicals. Eat fruits, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, alfalfa sprouts and whole grain products, add grapes, eggplant, red cabbage to the menu. Pigments called anthocyanins in grapes may help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Anthocyanins are found in blue and purple fruits and vegetables.
Eat unsaturated fats
The type of fat that people with rheumatic heart disease consume is also important. Monounsaturated fats, found in olive oil and canola oil, reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, often called bad cholesterol) without affecting levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, often called bad cholesterol). called good cholesterol). Raw nuts (except peanuts), olive oil and salmon and mackerel contain essential fatty acids that are important for heart health.
Avoid saturated fat
Saturated fat, a type of fat found in animal products such as red meat, fats (especially animal fats, hydrogenated oils and partially hydrogenated oils), dairy foods, trans fatty acids in margarine… not good for the heart. Avoid consuming saturated fats, especially baked goods. Carcinogens formed during browning contribute to inflammation of the arteries and weakening of the heart muscle.
Avoid processed and refined foods, spicy foods, white flour products like white bread…
Limit caffeine
Avoid stimulants such as coffee and black tea t
hat contain caffeine. Coffee increases stress hormones in the body. In addition, you should avoid tobacco, alcohol, chocolate, sugar, soft drinks…
Eat blandly
Manage dietary sources of sodium. Salt contains sodium, which increases water retention and makes the heart work harder.
Avoid foods rich in vitamin K if taking anticoagulants
People with rheumatic heart disease who are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) should limit eating foods rich in vitamin K. Eating foods containing vitamin K will increase the tendency for blood to clot. Foods rich in vitamin K such as broccoli, cauliflower, egg yolks, liver, spinach, and dark green vegetables.
To enhance the effects of anticoagulants, eat more of the following: wheat germ, vitamin E, soybeans.
People with rheumatic heart disease follow a regular check-up schedule with their doctor to monitor their health and help control their condition. Always maintain a healthy, scientific diet according to your doctor’s advice. You should consult a specialist if you change your diet or want to take supplements such as vitamins or minerals.
