Before and after a cardiac bypass, proper nutrition is important for both heart health and the healing process. Many people who undergo cardiac surgery follow a cardiac diet with a few extra changes. Those who are overweight or taking certain medications may have to pay special attention to what they eat.
The Cardiac Diet
In the average cardiac diet, it is important to eat a variety of foods in order to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. However, cardiac diets also limit certain ingredients that are bad for heart health, including sodium, concentrated sugars, cholesterol and saturated fats. The American Heart Association recommends a cardiac diet consist of different fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, beans and legumes and fortified whole grains. In addition, they recommend eating oily fish a few times per week, such as salmon, which can decrease the risk of death associated with heart disease.
Weight Maintenance
While calories may be restricted for some on their cardiac diet, after surgery the University of Southern California, or USC, recommends focusing on weight maintenance. They still recommend eating heart-friendly foods, such as those included in a cardiac diet. However, gaining or losing weight after surgery may lead to other health complications. According to USC, weight gain after bypass surgery may increase the strain on the heart, or cause thickening of the blood vessels. While it may be tempting to drop a few pounds after surgery, losing weight can cause its own complications, including slowed healing. USC stresses maintaining healthy eating habits following surgery in order to ensure adequate nutritional and caloric intake for healing.
Post-Surgery Complications
After cardiac surgery, some people do not have much of an appetite. Others may have problems with constipation caused by anesthesia and pain medications. However, in either case, it is important to continue eating in order to heal. USC recommends increasing fluid intake, eating lots of fruits and vegetables and taking a fiber supplement if constipation is a problem. In addition, they recommend those with a poor appetite eat smaller, more frequent meals, and add healthy snacks to the menu.
After the Healing
Returning to unhealthy eating habits after cardiac bypass surgery increases strain on the heart, potentially causing the return of a cardiac problems or other complications. The American Heart Association stresses the importance of portion control when eating out, as well as limiting alcohol intake. Continue to include heart-healthy foods in the diet, such as skim milk, low-fat yogurt, fresh vegetables, oatmeal, flaxseed, egg whites and soybeans. In addition, keep weight under control and exercise regularly. A heart-healthy diet is simply one component of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
