Coronary Heart Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), coronary heart disease is commonly associated with patterns involving Blood Stasis, Qi Stagnation, Yin Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, or combinations of deficiency and excess. Treatment focuses on improving circulation, supporting Heart function, regulating Qi, and addressing the underlying constitutional imbalance.

Pattern Key Symptoms Treatment Principle Traditional Formula Food Therapy
Heart Blood Stasis Fixed chest pain, stabbing heart pain, chest congestion, shortness of breath Warm Heart Yang and promote Blood circulation Gua Lou Xie Bai Gui Zhi Tang Chestnut, peach, black soybean, saffron, papaya
Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Chest pain radiating to the back, sighing, chest oppression, fixed abdominal masses Activate Blood and regulate Qi Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Garlic, saffron, peach, chestnut, sweet basil
Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency Nighttime chest pain, dry eyes, dry mouth, night sweats, low back weakness Nourish Liver and Kidney Yin and invigorate Blood Yang Yin Tong Bi Tang White fungus, asparagus, oyster, duck egg, chestnut
Simultaneous Yin and Yang Deficiency Heart pain, fatigue, nighttime urination, cold limbs, palpitations Strengthen Yin and Yang while supporting Qi and Blood Zhi Gan Cao Tang Longan, white fungus, dates, asparagus, blood-nourishing foods

Heart Blood Stasis

Common Signs

  • Chest congestion

  • Stabbing or fixed chest pain

  • Heart pain described as "needle-like"

  • Shortness of breath

  • Palpitations

  • Excessive perspiration

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Pale complexion

Treatment Principle

Warm Heart Yang and promote Blood circulation.

Traditional Formula

Gua Lou Xie Bai Gui Zhi Tang

Traditional Food Therapy

Foods traditionally associated with this pattern include:

  • Chestnut

  • Peach

  • Black soybean

  • Papaya

  • Eggplant

  • Brown sugar

  • Saffron

  • Sweet basil

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis

Common Signs

  • Chest pain affecting the back

  • Stabbing chest pain that comes and goes

  • Chest oppression

  • Shortness of breath

  • Frequent sighing

  • Fixed abdominal masses

  • History of chronic Liver-related conditions

Treatment Principle

Activate Blood and regulate Qi circulation.

Traditional Formula

Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang

Traditional Food Therapy

Foods traditionally associated with this pattern include:

  • Garlic

  • Peach

  • Saffron

  • Chestnut

  • Sweet basil

  • Cherry

  • Red dates

  • Kumquat

  • Caraway seed

Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency

Common Signs

  • Chest pain that worsens at night

  • Dry eyes

  • Dry throat or mouth

  • Night sweats

  • Dizziness

  • Low back pain

  • Weakness of the legs

  • Insomnia with forgetfulness

  • Warm palms and soles

Treatment Principle

Nourish Liver and Kidney Yin while invigorating Blood.

Traditional Formula

Yang Yin Tong Bi Tang

Traditional Food Therapy

Foods traditionally associated with this pattern include:

  • White fungus

  • Asparagus

  • Abalone

  • Oyster

  • Duck egg

  • Chicken egg

  • Chestnut

  • Royal jelly

  • Pork

  • Kidney beans

Simultaneous Yin and Yang Deficiency

Common Signs

  • Heart pain

  • Fatigue

  • Frequent nighttime urination

  • Cold limbs

  • Palpitations

  • Low energy

  • Poor appetite

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Waking at night because of pain

Treatment Principle

Strengthen Yin and Yang while supporting Qi and Blood.

Traditional Formula

Zhi Gan Cao Tang

Traditional Food Therapy

Foods traditionally associated with this pattern include:

  • White fungus

  • Longan

  • Red dates

  • Asparagus

  • Abalone

  • Duck egg

  • Blood clam

  • Grapes

  • Mandarin fish

  • Chestnuts

Traditional Dietary Approaches

Traditional dietary recommendations for coronary heart disease patterns often emphasize:

  • Supporting healthy circulation

  • Nourishing Blood and Yin when deficient

  • Strengthening Qi and Yang when weak

  • Limiting excessive greasy or highly processed foods

  • Emphasizing warm, balanced meals appropriate to the individual's pattern

Commonly recommended foods include:

  • Chestnuts

  • White fungus

  • Asparagus

  • Longan

  • Grapes

  • Red dates

  • Garlic

  • Peach

  • Black soybeans

  • Saffron

Related Formulas

  • Gua Lou Xie Bai Gui Zhi Tang

  • Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang

  • Yang Yin Tong Bi Tang

  • Zhi Gan Cao Tang

Important Note

Coronary heart disease is a serious cardiovascular condition requiring evaluation and management by qualified medical professionals. Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back require prompt medical attention. Traditional Chinese Medicine may be used as part of a comprehensive care plan but should not replace appropriate medical diagnosis, treatment, or emergency care.