A type of heart surgery called coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) reroutes or bypasses blood around clogged arteries to improve or increase blood flow and oxygen to the heart. Following surgery, patients are typically instructed to consume foods that are low in total cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat. Patients may also be instructed to follow a low-sugar, low-calorie or low-sodium diet, depending on their medical condition.
General Guidelines
Ideally, a patient's diet following heart surgery should be individualized based on several factors, including the presence of coronary heart disease, weight status, blood pressure and lab values. General guidelines to follow should be stemmed from the American Heart Association's dietary guidelines, which includes limiting fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium intakes. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables is also recommended.
Total Calories
Being overweight increases the workload on the heart. Total caloric intakes should be decreased in the overweight population following surgery. Being overweight is also associated with elevated triglyceride levels or fat in the bloodstream. Elevated triglycerides in the bloodstream thickens blood vessel walls, decreasing blood and oxygen flow in the body. To help limit the amount of calories consumed, portion control is recommended as well as avoiding convenience foods and desserts.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the body and from foods of animal origin. Elevated cholesterol levels in the blood thickens blood vessel walls, causing them to become narrow and make the heart work harder. Foods high in cholesterol should be avoided following surgery. The American Heart Association recommends limiting cholesterol intakes to less than 300 mg per day. Foods with high cholesterol content include liver and organ meats, luncheon meats, egg yolks, whole milk, butter, and whole milk cheeses.
Saturated Fat
Fats are concentrated sources of energy that occur in three forms: polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated. Overall fat intakes should be restricted following surgery. Total saturated fat intakes should be less than 10 percent of total fat intake, while increasing the proportion of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in the diet can actually lower cholesterol and saturated fat levels in the blood. Sources of saturated fat include deep fried foods, coconut and palm oil, cocoa, and animal products. Foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats include lean meats; low-fat dairy products; fatty fish (such as salmon); olive, corn, soybean, sesame and sunflower oil; and tub margarine.
Sodium
Salt is made up of sodium and chloride. Sodium intakes should be restricted following surgery. Sodium can contribute to fluid retention, making the heart work harder. The American Heart Association guidelines recommend intakes of no greater than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. Foods with an elevated sodium content included ham, bacon, luncheon meats, canned foods, seasonings, tomato juice, crackers, chips and other salty snacks.
