Solid fats and cholesterol build up in your blood vessels as plaque, a serious risk for heart disease. Plaque gradually coats the inner walls of arteries, narrowing the space for blood flow. High triglyceride levels caused by consuming too many calories from carbohydrates also encourage the progression of this condition, called atherosclerosis. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your food intake of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and total calories. Coincidentally, the foods with the highest levels of these "risky" nutrients are served at fast-food restaurants.
Egg Breakfast Sandwiches
Egg and sausage or bacon breakfast sandwiches contain large amounts of all of the nutrients that may adversely affect your heart health. Those served on croissants and biscuits do the most damage, as these may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, the source for nonessential trans fatty acids. Of the total daily values, or DVs, recommended by the Food and Drug Administration, a fast-food biscuit, egg and sausage sandwich contains 55 percent DV of total fat, nearly 100 percent DV of cholesterol and 562 calories--more than one-fourth of all your calories for the day.
Double Hamburgers
High saturated fat, cholesterol and calories make double-patty hamburgers counterproductive to maintaining your weight and cardiovascular efficiency. All fat carries a high calorie ratio compared to other nutrients, so the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends reducing your intake of total fat, which will take care of excessive saturated fat along with the calories. A large fast-food double hamburger contributes 50 percent DV of total fat and 40 percent DV of cholesterol to your diet within 540 calories.
Fried Shrimp
Breading adds cholesterol and carbohydrates to the high cholesterol content of shrimp to make an entree of fried shrimp extremely unhealthy for your heart. A fast-food order of just six to eight fried shrimp has about 40 percent DV of total fat plus 66 percent DV of cholesterol. The 454 calories that you don't burn away through exercise raise your triglyceride levels to promote plaque buildup.
Danish Pastries
Commercial baked goods, such as breakfast Danish pastries sold in fast-food restaurants and grocery outlets, may incorporate trans fat. Both the USDA and the American Heart Association advise eliminating this solid fat that your body can't use from your diet. While low in cholesterol, a cheese Danish pastry adds 40 percent DV of total fat and 353 calories to your daily totals. Fruit Danishes may seem healthier to eat, but they contain more calories from carbohydrates.
