If you've been diagnosed with a cardiac disorder or disease such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, your doctor has probably emphasized the importance of a healthy diet. If you've had an actual cardiac event such as a heart attack, it's even more important for you to eat healthy foods. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to eat a healthy diet for a cardiac disordered person if you know what foods to emphasize.
Significance
A healthy diet can help you avoid more serious medical conditions even if you've already been diagnosed with some sort of cardiac disorder, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For example, a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle tend to reduce your risk of strokes, heart attacks and even some forms of cancer. In addition, they can help you control your condition if you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Diet Foundations
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes should form the foundation of a diet for someone with a cardiac disorder, according to the American Heart Association, or AHA. Aim to eat at least 9 servings each day of fruits and vegetables, along with 3 servings of whole grains such as whole wheat or oatmeal. Whole grains also provide you with fiber, and the AHA recommends getting 25 to 30 g of fiber each day.
Fruits and Vegetables
When you're choosing vegetables, don't reach for white potatoes, urges the Harvard School of Public Health. Potatoes are mainly starch, which turns quickly to sugar in your body. Instead, look for leafy, dark vegetables such as spinach and kale, brightly-colored vegetables like tomatoes and red bell peppers, and unusual choices such as broccolini, sometimes called baby broccoli. Nine servings equals between 4 and 5 cups of vegetables each day.
Fish and Protein
According to the AHA, you should consume oily fish at least three times each week. Fish represent one of the healthiest forms of protein, and oily fish also contain high levels of heart-healthy fats. Nuts, seeds and legumes also can provide you with the protein you need, and the AHA recommends at least 4 weekly servings of these. Lean cuts of beef should be fine on occasion, but make sure your intake of saturated fat does not exceed the AHA goal of 7 percent of your daily calories.
What to Avoid
Cut down on sodium, making sure you don't exceed 1,500 mg per day, according to the AHA. Since salt appears in many processed foods, stick to home-cooked whole foods as much as you can. In addition, limit yourself to no more than 36 oz. of sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda or fruit drinks per week, and eat processed meats no more than twice each week.
