Coronary heart disease is a term that can encompass a range of heart diseases. According to the Mayo Clinic, many types of heart disease can be treated or prevented with changes in lifestyle or diet. Many risk factors such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure can cause or make heart disease worse, and these can be mediated with diet. Food choices can help heart disease, but these should not be used to replace medication if necessary. Consult your doctor about how diet can help your heart disease.
Soy Products and Legumes
Eating soy products and legumes can help lower low-density lipoprotein levels as well as overall cholesterol levels. The American Academy of Family Physicians adds that both foods also leave high-density lipoprotein levels alone; this is the good cholesterol. These foods are also good sources of protein and are a better choice over fatty meats, and can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Food that's rich in fatty acids can help lower inflammation and triglycerides and also help reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, which is commonly seen in heart disease, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. EPA and DHA, two of the fatty acids in fish oil, also help reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which also contribute to heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, halibut, some kinds of plants and nut oils, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Mediterranean Diet
A Mediterranean diet consists of using olive and canola oils instead of butter, emphasizing fruits, vegetables and legumes, limiting red meat consumption, consuming fish and chicken at least twice a week and flavoring dishes with spices and herbs instead of salt, according to the Mayo Clinic. An article published in the journal American Family Physician said that a Mediterranean diet was found to decrease total mortality, even in patients who already had heart disease.
Nuts
Nuts contain n-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. The American Academy of Family Physicians says that consuming nuts has been associated with improved lipid levels and reduced risk of heart attack. Good choices of nuts include walnuts, pecans, cashews and macadamia nuts because these are high in monounsaturated fats. The Mayo Clinic suggests eating nuts in moderation, because they are high in fat and can lead to weight gain.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: "American Family Physician": Dietary therapy for preventing and treating coronary artery disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 fatty acids
- Mayo Clinic: Mediterranean diet for heart health
- Mayo Clinic: Cholesterol: Top five foods to lower your numbers
- Mayo Clinic: Coronary heart disease
