A cardiac diet includes exercise and can benefit people at risk for heart disease. It is also prescribed for people with existing heart disease to prevent disease progression. A healthy cardiac diet limits fat, sodium and cholesterol and helps lowers risk factors of heart disease such as obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high cholesterol.
Weight
A cardiac diet balances food and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease and occurs when a person eats too many calories and does not exercise, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). One way to prevent overeating and subsequent weight gain is to exercise portion control and fill up on foods that are naturally low in calories such as fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins.
Fat
According to the Mayo Clinic, a cardiac diet limits saturated fats to 7 percent of daily calories and trans-fats to less than 1 percent of daily calories. The USDA says saturated and trans-fats contribute to heart disease by increasing the amount of plaque in arteries. Plaque is a hard substance that can narrow and block arteries and affect blood flow. Large amounts of plaque can lead to heart attack and stroke. Sources of saturated and trans fats include butter, lard, shortening, margarine, partially hydrogenated oil, chicken skin, fat from meat, coconut and palm oil, and cream.
Heart-healthy fats are unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent heart disease. Unsaturated fats are in olive oil, vegetable oil, nuts, avocado and coldwater fish. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating fish twice a day and nuts at least four times a week to benefit from heart-healthy fats.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance similar to fat. The Mayo Clinic says a cardiac diet limits cholesterol to less than 300 mg a day because cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. Cholesterol is only found in animal foods and is highest in organ meats and egg yolks. Dietary cholesterol can be reduced by eating a plant-based diet, choosing low-fat dairy products and lean meats, removing visible fat and skin from meat and poultry prior to cooking, and using egg whites only instead of whole eggs.
Sodium
Salt increases blood pressure in certain individuals, and high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. The AHA limits sodium to 1,500 mg per day on a cardiac diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, high-sodium foods that are avoided on a cardiac diet include table salt, canned tomatoes and vegetables, soy sauce and processed or convenience foods. Fast foods should also be limited because they tend to be high in sodium and fat.
Exercise
The AHA recommends 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week to benefit heart health and says a lack of exercise is a risk factor for heart disease. Individuals who are overweight or obese can lose weight and lower their risk of heart disease by getting at least 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week in addition to eating a healthy diet that focuses on low-calorie foods and portion control.
References
- American Heart Association: Exercise and Fitness
- American Heart Association: Nutrition Center
- “Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology”; Summary of American Heart Association diet and lifestyle recommendations revision 2006; A Lichtenstein, et al.; 2006.
- Mayo Clinic: Heart Healthy Diet
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
