Coronary bypass, open-heart surgery, aneurysm repair and heart transplant are among the cardiac procedures commonly performed in the United States. The goal of any heart surgery is to allow the heart to function properly again. If you have undergone heart surgery, your doctor will advise you to follow a special cardiac diet to speed your healing.
Healthy Diet
Those recovering from heart surgery should eat smaller and more frequent meals, according to the University of Southern California. You should eat a variety of healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy and whole grains. A cardiac diet should be low in fat and cholesterol. Cut back on sweets and junk food, and limit your portion sizes. Consume more carbohydrates -- pasta, rice, potatoes and vegetables -- and fiber-- beans, apples, oats, oranges and barley.
Sodium Intake
Sodium helps your body regulate blood pressure and blood volume, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You can help lower your blood pressure and increase your heart function by decreasing the amount of sodium you consume. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center advises that you need only 500 mg of sodium daily. You can reduce your sodium by using less salt in your food, cooking with herbs instead of salt, eating fresh foods, avoiding canned and bottled condiments and reading food labels.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is necessary for the functioning of your body. Fats -- including polyunsaturated, saturated and monounsaturated -- are sources of energy. However, your body needs very little cholesterol to function. Too much cholesterol can cause your blood vessels to narrow and restrict the flow of oxygen to your heart, according to the University of Southern California. Fats should not account for more than 30 percent of your daily calories. Reducing fat intake to 10 percent of your diet or less can help lower cholesterol and remove fat from your blood. Avoid fried foods, organ meats, lunch meats, whole milk, whole-milk cheese and vegetable oils.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor about your special dietary needs. You may or may not need to reduce caffeine. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says that soy protein can help to lower your cholesterol. Soy protein is available in a variety of forms, including cereal, flour, milk, beans, burgers and tofu. Learn how to change recipes to make them more heart healthy. For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of butter, replace it with one cup of tub margarine or one cup of applesauce. Replace shortening with vegetable oil and whole milk with skim milk.
