Coronary artery disease results from the narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart with oxygen and nutrients carried in the blood. When the coronary arteries become clogged by cholesterol and fat deposits, they cannot supply enough blood to the heart, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Cholesterol occurs naturally in every cell of the body and performs important functions, but if it is present in excess, it gets deposited in arteries including the coronary arteries. Therapeutic life style changes, including diet, can help lower cholesterol.
Fats and Cholesterol
Limiting the intake of saturated and trans fats reduces blood cholesterol and lowers risk of coronary artery disease. Try topping a baked potato with salsa rather than butter or spreading toast with low-fat fruit spread instead of jelly. Choose monounsaturated fats such as olive oil or canola oil.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends reducing saturated fat (fats that are solid at room temperature) to less than 7 percent of total daily calories. Reduce trans fat to less than 1 percent of total calories and reduce dietary cholesterol to less than 300mg per day. Persons with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad fat") or who are taking cholesterol-lowering medication should limit dietary cholesterol to less than 200mg per day.
Low-Fat Protein
Select lean meat and skinless poultry. Fish are high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Choose low-fat dairy products and egg substitutes. Beans, peas and lentils make good meat substitutes, because they are low in fat and have no cholesterol. Soy protein in veggie burgers, flax seed and walnuts provide low-fat protein. Choose low-fat dairy and cheese.
Vegetables and Fruits
Feature vegetables and fruits in the diet. They are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals and are low in calories as well as high in dietary fiber. Some plant-based substances in food help prevent cardiovascular disease. Additional servings of fruits and vegetables tend to replace high-fat choices, such as snack foods and cheese. Keep fruits and vegetables handy for snacks. Add vegetables to stir fry dishes and pasta sauce. Add fruit to salads. Fresh or frozen is best. Choose canned goods that are low in sodium and packed in juice or water.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are high in fiber and nutrients that affect blood pressure and heart health. Choose whole rather than refined grains, high fiber cereal, brown rice and whole wheat pasta. Oatmeal for breakfast and ground flax seed sprinkled on salad or vegetables make excellent additions to a heart-healthy diet.
Salt
Reducing salt to less than 2,300mg of sodium (about 1 tsp. salt) per day, according to the AHA, is important to reduce high blood pressure and lower the risk for cardiovascular disease. Eating or cooking fresh foods helps eliminate the salt that would come from canned, frozen or processed foods. Look for low-sodium choices on food labels and use reduced-salt condiments.
Portion Size
Recommended serving sizes are generally smaller than portions provided in restaurants or on the family table. For instance, a serving of pasta is ½ cup and a serving of meat is 2 to 3 oz. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's My Pyramid food guide provides consumers with defined serving sizes and a recommended number of servings of foods.
