Diet has positive effects on heart disease as long as the diet is healthy. Generally speaking, the positive effects of a healthy diet include heart disease prevention, slowed progression of already present heart disease and faster recovery from heart surgery or heart related events. Specific dietary components help with various areas of heart disease.
Cholesterol Levels
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute explains that your blood cholesterol levels have a lot to do with your chance of getting heart disease. Since cholesterol is modifiable by diet, it makes sense to follow a diet low in cholesterol. Not only this, but it is recommended by the American Heart Association. A diet low in cholesterol keeps the arteries free of plaque buildup in order for blood to move freely through the arteries. This decreases the chance of stroke or a heart attack. A low cholesterol diet consists of limited intake of red meat, egg yolks and shrimp as well as low-fat or non-fat dairy products.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is better controlled with a diet low in salt. Blood pressure within appropriate ranges signficantly lowers the risk of heart disease. Reasonable salt intake at 2,500 mg or less per day will allow blood to flow well through the arteries free of resistance. This also maintains the integrity of the artery walls and allows the heart to pump at a healthy rate. A low-salt diet is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fresh, unprocessed meats,
Body Weight
A healthy body weight can add to the good effects of a healthy diet. A healthy body weight decreases risk for heart disease and is associated with healthy blood pressure levels, improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels and decreases the workload of the heart. Therefore, eating a heart healthy diet positively affects body weight.
Clearer Arteries
A healthy diet positively affects heart disease by keeping arteries clear of plaque. Plaque is a waxy substance that forms and builds up on the interior walls of arteries. Plaque build up can eventually obstruct blood flow. Since blood carries oxygen to the heart, it is critical that blood travels everywhere it is needed. Dietary components that contribute to plaque buildup include triglycerides, trans fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Healthy diets are limited in these nutrients.
