Heart disease is the No. 1 killer for adult males and females in industrialized countries, says MayoClinic.com. The term heart disease is often used interchangeably in medical circles with the more encompassing term, cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is caused by narrowing and blockage of blood vessels, resulting in chest pain or heart attack when the coronary vessels feeding the heart are affected. Coronary artery disease can be prevented and controlled through lifestyle and dietary modifications in addition to medication and, in some instances, surgery.
Regulate Fat Consumption
The U.K. National Health Service suggests reducing consumption of dietary fat, particularly saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats are usually of animal origin and are solid at room temperature. Trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, are fats created in industrial processes and used mainly in prepackaged foods to increase shelf life and for deep frying in fast food restaurants. Reducing fat helps lower bad cholesterol, the type that deposits in the blood vessels, causing their narrowing. Patients are encouraged to avoid any food with partially hydrogenated oils, full-fat dairy products, fatty cuts of meats and cooking methods that involve adding saturated oils and fats. On the other hand, consuming oily fish is encouraged, at least two 4-oz. servings a week for optimum health, because they provide omega-3 fats, which are a key player in raising the body's good cholesterol.
Reduce Sodium Consumption
The American Heart Association recommends salt intake should not exceed 1,500mg per day. This is roughly equivalent to 1/2 tsp. of salt a day. This goal is quite aggressive, bearing in mind that many foods, such as canned products and tomato pastes, contain hidden sodium. Therefore, the AHA advises heart disease patients to cook with little or no salt and flavor food with herbs and lemon juice. It is important to note that most natural foods contain enough sodium to cover the body's requirements. The reduced salt consumption helps regulate high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
One of the essential dietary modifications advised by the AHA is increasing the daily intake of vegetables and fruits to at least eight servings per day, or approximately 4 1/2 cups. Vegetables and fruits are full of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals essential for the health of the heart and the blood vessels.
