Healthy foods for patients with heart disease include low sodium and low fat foods. Focusing on the right foods can help with weight loss, keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control and reduce inflammation in the blood vessels that leads to and worsens existing cardiovascular disease. According to the Franklin Institute, "All of the food you eat affects the health of your heart."
Fish
Eating fish at least two times a week is a mainstay for a heart healthy diet. The American Heart Association explains fish consumption reduces the chances of cardiac arrhythmia, lowers the blood pressure slightly and slows the progression of harmful plaque buildup known as atherosclerosis that impairs blood flow and can lead to stroke and heart attack. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish have repeatedly been shown to be beneficial for heart health. Recommended fish that are high in omega-3's include mackerel, albacore tuna, herring and sardines. In order to avoid high mercury content, avoid shark, swordfish, king Mackerel or tilefish. Prepare fish by broiling or baking and season with herbs, spices and lemon juice.
Whole Grains
Substituting whole grain foods for high fat and dairy products is shown to lower the chances of heart failure in high risk patients. Congestive heart failure affects 5 million people in the United States. The article, "Incident heart failure is associated with lower whole grain intake and greater high-fat dairy and egg intake in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study", published November 2008 in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association", suggested that patients with heart disease and at risk for heart failure should increase consumption of whole grains. Foods that are beneficial include barley, brown rice, unsalted popcorn, oatmeal, wild rice, millet, bulgar, whole wheat bread and crackers, and wheat pasta.
Fruits and Vegetables
Harvard School of Public Health suggests eating approximately 4 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables daily for heart health. Choose a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Consume fruit and vegetables throughout the day that are red, orange and yellow. Focusing on single nutrients in foods fails to provide the same health benefits as supplements and a mixture of the right foods. The American Heart Association recommends following the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) that includes foods that are higher in magnesium and potassium, and lower in salt than found in the average American Diet. Healthy foods for patients with heart disease should be low in saturated fat, high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and include plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables.
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