Thousands of heart surgeries are performed each day in the United States. Heart surgery is performed to treat a variety of conditions, such as a damaged or infected heart valve or aortic aneurysm. It is also performed to enhance or improve heart function after heart disease. Such surgeries may include the insertion of a pacemaker or artificial valve, or it may involve a heart transplant. Before surgery, your doctor may instruct you to make lifestyle changes that involve physical activity and diet modifications, which can make your post-operative recovery a smooth one.
Watch Calories
Your caloric intake may be adjusted to promote weight loss if you are overweight, maintain your weight or promote weight gain if you are underweight. If you are undergoing drug therapy, your may experience increased hunger. Watching your calories is important to avoid excessive weight gain.
Control Fats
Fewer than 7 percent of your daily calories should come from saturated fats such as butter, margarine, shortening or coconut oil, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Your overall fat consumption should be no more than 30 percent of your total daily calories. Opt for polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats such as olive or canola oil, trans-fat-free margarine, nuts and seeds, as well as lean meats, salmon and tuna.
Monitor Cholesterol
Limiting your fat intake will help control your cholesterol, because eating too much saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol levels. To keep your cholesterol within the normal range, limit consumption of fried foods, egg yolks, whole milk and whole milk cheeses, luncheon meats, and liver and organ meats.
Limit Sodium
Sodium makes the body retain fluid, which can build up in the arteries and veins. Pre-surgery, you will likely be put on a no-salt or salt- and sodium-restricted diet. Such a diet will limit or eliminate the consumption of high-sodium foods, such as bacon, sausages, corned beef or hash, canned soups, saltine crackers, pretzels, corn or potato chips, and salted breads or rolls.
Choose Lean Protein
Fish, poultry, lean meats, low-fat dairy products and egg whites are excellent sources of protein for a pre-heart-surgery diet. Legumes such as peas, beans and lentils are also good protein sources.
Increase Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, canned fruit in juice or water and canned low-sodium vegetables are your best heart-healthy choices.
Eat Whole Grains
Whole grain foods provide fiber and other nutrients that promote heart health. Select whole grains such as oatmeal, whole-wheat flour, whole-grain bread, cereal or pasta. Avoid white bread, white flour or foods made with white flour. Add ground flax seed to yogurt, hot cereal or applesauce for additional heart-healthy fiber.
