According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, over 500,000 people are diagnosed with coronary heart disease each year, and this condition is the leading cause of death in the United States. Risk factors for coronary heart disease include elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and diabetes. Changes in diet can help treat these risk factors and can help prevent the buildup of plaque on artery walls.
Background
The coronary arteries carry blood to the heart, and when they are narrowed by a fatty substance known as plaque, blood has difficulty reaching your heart. This can produce symptoms of chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. The goal of a diet to help treat coronary heart disease is to decrease fats and cholesterol that can build up in the arteries and to promote consumption of foods that help prevent plaque and plaque rupture.
"Good" Fat
A heart-healthy diet should limit saturated fat to less than 7 percent of your daily calories and trans fat to less than 1 percent. Saturated and trans fats are found in solid fats such as butter, margarine and shortening as well as in fatty meats such as red meat. When choosing fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats should be utilized as these fats can decrease your blood cholesterol and help prevent plaque buildup. Plant-based oils, nuts and avocados all contain heart-healthy fats.
Fish
According to the AAFP, one to two servings of seafood per week benefit patients with coronary heart disease. This is likely related to the fact that fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which lower triglycerides and may have other heart-health benefits that are under investigation as of 2011. Fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring have the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Substituting fish for red meat also provides you with a low-fat source of protein.
Soluble Fiber
Foods rich in soluble fiber help reduce cholesterol and promote weight loss, which can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. Vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and beans contain soluble fiber as do many fruits, and fruits and vegetables also contain antioxidants which help to prevent plaque formation. Whole grains such as whole grain bread, oatmeal, brown rice and barley are also rich in soluble fiber. Soy products are often an excellent substitution for high-fat meat products as they are a good protein source that contains fiber.
