Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of potassium-rich diet on constipation for elderly patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) during hospitalization. Methods 100 elderly CHD patients were divided into treatment group (n=50) and control group (n=50). The treatment group drank orange juice 400 ml (about potassium 600 mg) per day, while the control group drank the same volume of water. Their defecation in 7 d was recorded. Results Compared with those in control group, the frequency of defecation increased (P<0.01), The Bleijenberg score and Bristol score both decreased (P<0.05) in the treatment group. There was no significant difference in incidence of major adverse cardiac events between these groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Potassium-rich diet plays an important role in prevention of constipation in elderly patients with CHD during hospitalization.

Key words: coronary heart disease, constipation, elderly, trophotherapy