Several heart diseases can be caused by a poor diet. According to the MedlinePlus website, consuming a healthy diet is a major factor in decreasing your likelihood for cardiovascular system problems or illnesses. Along with exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy body weight, proper nutrition -- which includes eating nutrient-dense foods and avoiding foods that can make you sick -- is one of the most important ways in which you can protect yourself from heart-related conditions.
Heart Disease
Heart disease, also known as coronary disease, can be caused by a poor diet. According to "The New York Times," coronary heart disease is a narrowing of the arteries or small blood vessels that transport blood, oxygen and nutrients to your heart. The most common cause of coronary heart disease is a condition called atherosclerosis. One of most common causes of atherosclerosis is a poor or unbalanced diet. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque -- a combination of fatty and fibrous material -- accumulates on the walls of your arteries, causing your arteries to narrow. Narrow coronary arteries impair blood flow to your heart, which causes numerous symptoms. Common signs and symptoms associated with coronary heart disease include chest pain or discomfort, dyspnea or shortness of breath, fatigue with exertion and pain that radiates into your abdomen, back or arm.
Heart Attacks
A heart attack can be caused by an unbalanced diet. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI, states that a heart attack occurs when blood flow to a portion of your heart muscle becomes obstructed. If blood flow to your heart is not restored immediately, your myocardial or heart muscle cells can sustain damage -- or even die -- due to lack of oxygen. According to the NHLBI, heart attack is one of the leading causes of death among Americans. Most heart attacks are caused by a blood clot that forms near the location where a piece of plaque ruptures from the wall of one of your coronary arteries. Plaque formation, also known as atherosclerosis, is usually caused by a poor diet and sedentary living. Other possible causes of a heart attack, states the NHLBI, include spasm of one of your coronary arteries and illegal drugs, such as cocaine.
Stroke
Stroke is a type of heart disease that can be caused by a poor diet. According to the National Stroke Association, or NSA, a stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when a blood clot obstructs blood flow through arteries that transport blood to your brain. Without sufficient blood flow to your brain, your brain cells will die and brain damage will occur. The NSA states that when stroke-induced brain damage occurs, abilities controlled by the affected area -- such as speech, movement and memory -- are lost. A poor diet, smoking, being diabetic, having a family history of stroke, physical inactivity, being obese or overweight and binge drinking are all risk factors for stroke. Common signs and symptoms associated with stroke include difficulty walking, trouble with speaking or comprehending, one-sided face or body paralysis or numbness, vision problems and headaches.
