When a person is at risk for cardiac conditions such as heart failure, vessel blockage or a heart attack, they must often make changes to their diet. While there is no single cardiac diet plan, there are a few simple eating guidelines anyone can follow to improve cardiac health. They include limiting saturated fats and sodium, as well as including a variety of healthy foods in the diet.
Healthier Eating
One approach to improving heart health for is simply to adopt a healthier eating plan. This plan does not involve calculations or measurements; it simply means making healthier choices when it comes to the foods you eat. These include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Many fruits and vegetables also contain agents that fight heart disease. They are also high in fiber and low in calories. Because of this, these foods should make up the majority of a cardiac patient's diet. Whole grains can lower a person's cholesterol level, which can help cardiac patients lower their risk of further complications. When choosing proteins, opt for lean cuts of meat and low-fat dairy products; you also can add beans and legumes to the cardiac diet plan.
Soy Proteins
Soy proteins with isoflavones are thought to play a role in reducing cholesterol levels, one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Soy proteins have a different makeup than animal proteins, such as those found in meat and dairy products. However, when the American Heart Association reviewed 22 studies on the subject, it noted that while soy proteins did lower blood cholesterol, the effect was minimal. Nevertheless, the association recommends soy to cardiac patients for its heart-healthy benefits. Those following a cardiac diet plan may benefit from replacing some animal protein sources with soy substitutes, such as soy burgers or tofu.
TLC Diet
Cardiac patients looking for more specific dietary guidelines can consider the Therapeutic Lifestyle Change diet, or the TLC diet. The TLC diet can be tailored to your needs; however, guidelines do not change from person to person. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI, a cardiac patient following the TLC diet should limit daily cholesterol to 200 mg daily, and keep their daily sodium below 2,400 mg. The rest of the diet is based on a person's weight, height, gender, age and activity level. The TLC diet limits daily calories, especially those that come from fats -- in particular, saturated fats. NHLBI recommends that those following the TLC keep fats to around 25 percent to 35 percent of daily calories, and limit saturated fats to only 7 percent.
Getting Some Guidance
Heart-healthy eating does not have to be complicated, though the food guidelines and choices can be overwhelming. Check with your doctor or a nutritionist to find a plan that meets your needs.
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