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COLLEGE OF NURSING
 VIRGEN MILAGROSA COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
OF
NUSING

Exercise no. 9 : Diet for Cardiovascular Diseases

Procedures:
Group 1 and 2: Case 1. Atherosclerosis
Group 3 and 4: Case 2. Congestive heart disease
1. Discuss the characteristics and dietary management of the assigned disease
condition.

Table 9.1 – Characteristic and Dietary Management of Conngestive Heart Disease

Disease condition Characteristics Dietary Management Rationale of Diet

Congestive heart Shortness of Eat plenty of fruits Sodium acts like a sponge to hold
failure (CHF) occurs breath(dyspnea) when and vegetables, which extra water in the body, which
when the heart does youexert yourself are naturally low in makes the heart work harder.
not pump efficiently orwhen you lie down sodium Healthy snacks are low in calories
and is not able to and good sources of vitamins,
deliver enough Fatigue and weakness Snack on freshfruits, minerals, and fiber.
oxygen to the body. vegetables,and
Swelling (edema) in your
It can be caused by unsalted nuts In order to catch any fluid
legs, ankles and feet
highblood pressure retention or worsening of
or other heart Weigh Yourself Daily congestive heart failure early, it is
Rapid or irregular
problems. heartbeat, reduced Keep Food Intake very important to weight yourself
ability to exercise (and Calories) in every day. A gain of 1 to 2 pounds
overnight, or 5 pounds in a week, is
Check
Persistent cough or a signal that your body is retaining
wheezing with white or extra fluid.
pink blood- tinged
phlegm It is even more important to
restrict calorie intake to prevent
weight gain if exercise must be
limited due to heart- related
breathing problems.

Learning how to read food labels

can help you keep track of calories
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UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
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NUSING

Table 9.2 – Sample Menu for Conngestive Heart Disease

Meal Pattern Menu Dietary Consideration (e,g. method of cooking,
foods avoiding etc.

Soup Creamy Vegetable Chowder Avoid regular bouillon, broth, or consommé;

regular canned or dried commercial soups

Meat Low-sodium tuna (2 oz.) Avoid any meat, fish or poultry that is smoked,
(160 mg) cured, salted or canned - bacon, chipped beef,
corned beef, cold cuts, ham, hot dogs, and sausage

Vegetable Lettuce, tomato (0 mg) Avoid regular canned vegetables and vegetable
juices; sauerkraut; pickled vegetables and other
prepared products that use brine

Rice Brown Rice or cooked rice Avoid high in sodium, White Bread and White Rice

Fruits and Angel food cake (1 slice) None – naturally low in sodium
Dessert with strawberries(½ cup)

Beverages Orange juice (8 oz.) (0 mg Avoid commercially softened water; beverages and
foods made with commercially softened water.
Sports drinks, canned tomato or vegetable juice,
unless salt – free

Reflection :
Congestive heart failure (CHF) or cardiac failure is circulatory congestion resulting in the
heart’s inability to maintain adequate blood supply to meet the oxygen demands. Heart failure
is characterized by shortness of breath (dyspnea), abnormal fluid retention usually results in
swelling (edema) of the feet and legs. Dietary management involves eating plenty of fruits and
vegetables, which are naturally low in sodium, snack on fresh fruits, vegetables, and unsalted
nuts, Weigh Yourself Daily, and Keep Food Intake (and Calories) in Check. Understanding the
crucial role of diet in managing congestive heart disease has underscored the importance of
making mindful food choices. Embracing a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean
proteins, and whole grains not only supports cardiovascular health but also helps regulate
blood pressure and reduce fluid retention. Reflecting on the impact of dietary habits becomes a
compelling motivator to adopt and maintain lifestyle changes that contribute to the overall
well-being of individuals with congestive heart disease.