People with cardiac problems are usually instructed to be on a cardiac diet that reduces the heart's workload, prevents or corrects obesity and limits plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. Following a cardiac diet often means changing the way food is prepared. If you have not been following a healthy diet, it may also mean replacing nutrient-poor, fat-laden foods with better nutritional choices.
Basics
The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fish each week and limiting processed meats to no more than two servings each week. The organization also recommends eating four and a half cups of vegetables and fruits each day and three servings of whole grains. Seeds, nuts and legumes such as beans, peas and lentils are encouraged. Low-fat milk products and healthy oils round out a healthy cardiac diet. Sodium is limited and caffeine is sometimes limited or forbidden, depending on the type of heart condition.
Heart Attack Factors
Those who have had a heart attack are often placed into a cardiac rehabilitation program that includes dietary education, explains the MayoClinic.com. If you have a history of heart attack, you may be instructed to limit fat and cholesterol as well as sodium throughout the rest of your life. These dietary modifications are designed to reduce the risk of recurrence of a blocked coronary artery and lessen the workload of the damaged heart.
Heart Failure Factors
Sodium restriction is often the most important dietary factor if you have heart failure. This is due to sodium's ability to retain fluid in the bloodstream, forcing the failing heart to work harder than it should. This fluid overload causes swelling in the feet, ankles and legs. It may also make breathing difficult. Those with mild to moderate heart failure may be advised to avoid adding table salt or eating salty foods while those with severe heart failure may have a greater restriction, explains the text, "Medical-Surgical Nursing."
Weight Loss
People with cardiac problems are advised to maintain a normal weight. For the overweight or obese, this often means following a low-calorie diet and a suitable exercise program. The Texas Heart Institute recommends eating a variety of fiber-rich foods to assist in weight loss. A slow, sustainable weight loss is usually preferred over rapid weight loss that can lead to unhealthy yo-yo dieting.
Getting Started
A new diagnosis of a heart problem can be overwhelming. Medications, lifestyle restrictions and exercise requirements are often prescribed along with dietary changes. Alterations to diet are simpler if you evaluate your past dietary habits and discern which foods you can continue to eat. If you used to eat fried chicken, for example, prepare baked skinless chicken breast with herbs and spices. If you enjoyed canned vegetable soup, make vegetable soup at home with your favorite vegetables. This allows you to control the amount of salt added to the soup. Switch white bread and rolls for whole grain varieties. Eat less beef and more fish. Lower the fat content in your favorite dairy products by choosing fat free or low-fat versions. These fairly simple changes can make a big difference in your cardiac health.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- American Heart Association: Nutrition Center: Healthy Diet Goals
- American Heart Association: Nutrition Center: Healthier Preparation Methods for Cooking
- MayoClinic.com: Cardiac Rehabilitation: What You Can Expect
- UCSF Medical Center: Patient Education: Diet and Congestive Heart Failure
- Texas Heart Institute: Heart Information Center: Nutrition
