People with heart problems and those at risk for heart disease should follow a special diet to prevent disease progression. Heart disease is the number one killer in Americans, but according to the American Heart Association (AHA), that can be reduced by following a healthy diet in addition to maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, managing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and not smoking.
Diet Goals
The goal of a cardiac diet is to prevent heart disease and lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke by preventing a buildup of plaque in the arteries. According to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC), plaque narrows and hardens arteries, which can disrupt normal blood flow to all parts of the body.
Guidelines of a Cardiac Diet
The Mayo Clinic defines a cardiac diet as less than 7 percent of calories from saturated fats, less than 1 percent of calories from trans-fats and less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. The AHA also limits sodium (salt) to 1,500 mg a day because consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease.
Foods to Limit
According to the NWHIC, saturated and trans-fats and cholesterol contribute to plaque buildup. Fat is also high in calories; excess calorie consumption can lead to weight gain and obesity, which increases the risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions. Saturated and trans-fats are found in butter, lard, pork fat, whole milk and cream, coconut and palm oil, shortening and hydrogenated oils. They are also used in commercial baked goods, frozen desserts, snacks and some condiments. Cholesterol is concentrated in animal products, egg yolks and high-fat dairy products.
Limit sodium by switching to salt substitutes, cooking without salt, buying sodium-free and reduced-sodium foods, limiting processed foods and refraining from adding salt at the table.
Foods to Include
Cardiac diets should focus on nutrient-dense foods that are naturally low in calories and fat, but packed with essential nutrients. People with heart problems should consume plenty of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains. According to the AHA, fiber lowers triglycerides, cholesterol and high blood pressure, and has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Fiber also promotes satiety, which can help prevent overeating and support a healthy weight.
People with heart problems should consume low-fat, lean proteins like poultry, low-fat dairy products, egg whites, beans, legumes and lean meats. The AHA also recommends eating fish twice a week because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fatty acid that lowers triglycerides and decreases the risk of heart disease.
Alcohol can be consumed in moderation, which the NWHIC defines as one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. The NWHIC advises that moderate alcohol intake may decrease the risk of heart disease, but consuming more than one drink a day can increase the risk of certain cancers.
Heart-Healthy Cooking
The best heart-healthy cooking methods use little or no fat: baking, broiling, boiling, roasting, grilling, stewing and steaming. Draining fat and skimming it from sauces and soups also decreases the fat in dishes. Decatur Memorial Hospital encourages patients to trim visible fat and skin from meat and poultry, to substitute egg whites for whole eggs and to cook with liquid oils instead solid fats. They also point out that meats labeled "select" or "choice" have less saturated fat than "prime" meat.
