Heart disease covers a wide range of diseases that affect the heart, according to MayoClinic.com, including atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmia and congenital heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. Making lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet may reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
High-Fat Foods
Excessive fat intake could increase your cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood. This could lead to atherosclerosis, a condition in which blood vessels are obstructed by fat and other substance in blood, according to the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute. This may limit the blood flow to the brain, heart and other parts of the body resulting in a heart attack or stroke. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends consuming between 25 and 35 percent of total calories from fat, less that 200 mg of cholesterol and no more than 7 percent of daily calories from saturated fats. Avoid fried food. Limit products with high amounts of trans and saturated fats; these could increase LDL, or "bad cholesterol," in the blood. Avoid shortenings and snacks foods such as chips, cookies and crackers.
Sodium
According to the American Heart Association, up to 75 percent of the sodium Americans consume comes from added sources. Excessive sodium intake may raise blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends consuming 1,500 mg of sodium or less every day. Avoid adding salt or other flavoring products, such as bouillon cubes, seasoning mixes or sauces made with salt, to food. Avoid cured, processed meats such as sausage, hot dogs, lunch meat, bacon and salami. Also, soups, tomato sauce, prepared mixes and canned and frozen foods contain high amounts of sodium.
Alcohol
Consumed in small amounts, alcohol could benefit a person's blood pressure, but excessive intake may lead to high blood pressure and weight gain, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Women should not have more than one drink per day, while men should not exceed two drinks. One drink equals 5 oz. of wine, 12 oz. of beer or 1 1/2 oz. of liquor.
