Fatty foods can lead to heart disease because a diet high in unhealthy fats increases the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, MedlinePlus points out. The accumulation of excess cholesterol, a fat-like, waxy substance, can eventually narrow the arteries and interfere with blood flow to the heart. The body produces enough cholesterol to help make membranes and other substances in the body. Excess cholesterol comes from dietary sources, and saturated fats contribute to high cholesterol.
Function
Too much low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol in the bloodstream can form fatty deposits, or plaques, on the walls of the arteries. Aside from interfering with blood flow to cause heart disease, the plaques can burst and completely block blood flow. This can cause a heart attack or stroke. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol in the bloodstream and brings it to the liver where it is removed from the body. Certain fats raise unhealthy LDL levels and some fats raise "good" HDL levels.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats generally come from animal products, such as meat, poultry with skin, seafood and whole-milk dairy products. Coconut, coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil are also high in saturated fat. Saturated fats raise LDL cholesterol levels. Keep the intake of these fats low to avoid heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fish at least twice a week. Some fish, such as mackerel, tuna, salmon and herring, contain fatty acids that help fight heart disease.
Trans Fats
Many commercially baked foods and foods in restaurants contain trans fats from the cooking process. Trans fats are worse than saturated fats because they raise LDL levels and lower HDL levels. French fries, cookies, crackers and snack cakes often contain trans fats. Check nutritional labels for trans fats when buying foods.
Healthy Fats
Unsaturated fats may decrease levels of LDL and raise healthy HDL levels, the Harvard School of Public Health notes. Olive, canola and peanut oils, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and avocados contain monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats include omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil.
Weight Gain
Eating too many foods with saturated fat and trans fat can make you overweight or lead to obesity, a risk factor for heart disease. Obesity raises LDL cholesterol, lowers HDL cholesterol, increases blood pressure and can induce diabetes, which worsen risks for heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.
