Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans today. People diagnosed with heart disease can reduce the risk of dying from heart disease, suffering a fatal heart attack or needing cardiac bypass surgery by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Avoiding certain foods, losing extra weight, not smoking and exercising regularly contribute to a heart healthy lifestyle.
Fatty Meat
To maintain normal cell function, the body needs cholesterol. However, it is important to know the difference between good and bad cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, absorbs cholesterol and aids in the elimination of it from the bloodstream. High levels of low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, accumulate as plaque in the arteries. Saturated fats and trans fat raise blood cholesterol levels. Meat, such as beef, lamb and pork, is a source of saturated fat and cholesterol. The American Heart Association advises restricting daily intake of saturated fats to no more than 7 percent of the total calories consumed each day. A person with heart disease should avoid duck, goose, marbled meat and prime cuts of high-fat meat.
Full -Fat Dairy Products
Whole milk, cream, whole-milk cheeses and butter are all sources of saturated fat and cholesterol. A person with heart disease should avoid sauces made with butter, choose fat-free yogurt and use fat-free or low-fat milk.
Processed Meats
A person with heart disease should avoid processed meats, such as bacon, processed deli meats and sausage. A recently published study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health found that on average, each 1.8 ounce daily serving of a processed meat was associated with a 42 percent higher risk of developing heart disease. The researchers defined processed meat as any meat product that was preserved by smoking, curing, salting or by the addition of chemical preservatives. Processed meat contains high amounts of sodium. The American Heart Association recommends foods with little or no salt. High sodium diets increase blood pressure.
Fried Foods and Commercial Baked Goods
Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats are used in cooking in fast food restaurants and in commercial baked goods, such as cookies, crackers and donuts. Trans fat forms when vegetable oil hardens. A person with heart disease should avoid fried foods, processed foods that contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats and hard margarine.
