Heart disease is closely linked to diet: Some foods may lead to coronary disease, and some types of heart disease can be made worse by what you eat. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, according to the National Library of Medicine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention names coronary artery disease, which can cause heart attack, as the most common type of heart disease. Obesity is linked to coronary disease, and weight loss can significantly reduce your chances for developing coronary disease or having a heart attack. Manage your risk for heart disease by choosing a heart-healthy diet.
Anatomy
Coronary disease is caused by atherosclerosis, which is also known as hardening of the arteries. A diet high in cholesterol can cause an excessive amount of cholesterol to build up in the bloodstream, accumulating along the inside walls of the arteries. The accumulated cholesterol hardens from a waxy substance into plaque, which causes the arteries to narrow and restricts blood flow.
Cholesterol
About 102 million people in the United States have high cholesterol levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 35 million of these Americans have cholesterol levels high enough to put them at significant risk for developing heart disease. To reduce your risk of developing coronary disease, cut back on foods containing large amounts of cholesterol. Check the nutrition labels on packaged foods to learn if they are high in cholesterol.
Function of Fiber and HDL
One type of cholesterol, HDL, actually decreases the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood. You can protect your heart by eating foods that raise HDL levels. Soluble fiber, such as that in oatmeal and bananas, can raise your HDL, or high density lipoproteins. Eat fish once to twice a week, especially fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon.
Fats and Coronary Disease
The risk of coronary disease is higher for those who eat a diet high in saturated fat and trans fat. Saturated fats are found in meats and many animal products, like eggs and dairy. Trans fats are sometimes used in processing food to give packaged or commercially baked foods a longer shelf life, better flavor and less greasy texture. Avoid foods containing saturated fats, such as red meat, eggs and some dairy products like whole milk and regular cheese. Cut visible fat from meats before cooking and choose skim milk and low-fat cheeses.
Significance of Sodium
Congestive heart failure is a disease in which the muscles of the heart are not strong enough to circulate blood effectively throughout the entire body. The heart has an especially hard time fighting gravity to pump blood up from the feet. A diet high in salt causes inflammation, which increases blood pressure and makes it even harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently. Reduce the amount of sodium in your diet to make it easier for your heart to pump blood.
