When preparing for heart surgery, taking every step your physician recommends for your health can potentially improve your surgical outcome. As you prepare for cardiac surgery, your physician may advise making changes to your diet to stimulate weight loss. Losing weight can benefit your heart in a number of ways, including in reducing your blood pressure and the amount of fat around your organs. When you undergo heart surgery, you ideally embark on a healthier lifestyle. Making dietary changes before surgery can help you achieve this goal.
Cholesterol and Saturated Fats
If you are undergoing heart surgery due to coronary heart disease, such as atherosclerosis, your physician may recommend reducing the amount of cholesterol and saturated fats in your diet. Consuming an excess amount increases the amount of cholesterol in your blood, which can increase plaque deposits in your blood vessels and cause your blood pressure to rise. Read food labels carefully and refrain from consuming foods that contain more than 30 percent of their calories from fats. Instead of foods high in saturated fat such as fried foods and fatty cuts of meat, choose healthier fat sources such as olive oil and nuts.
Reduce Sodium Intake
Excess sodium in your diet can be dangerous to your heart because the sodium attracts fluid in your body. This excess fluid can build up and increase your blood pressure, which can weaken your heart. Your physician may advise reducing sodium intake before surgery to reduce any swelling and to lower your blood pressure. Although the recommended daily intake for healthy adults is 2,300 mg, your physician may recommend decreasing this amount further in preparation for surgery. Start by eating no-sodium added foods, and avoiding frozen and canned foods, which tend to be high in salt.
Calorie Restrictions
Weight loss is a matter of taking in fewer calories than you use on a daily basis. Your physician may use factors such as your height, weight, age and overall health to determine an appropriate calorie intake to lose weight before surgery. Because medications given before surgery can make you hungry, use your calories wisely. One way to reduce feelings of deprivation is to eat several small meals throughout the day. Set a calorie cap for each meal -- such as 250 to 300 calories -- to ensure you meet your daily goals.
Healthy Choices
The best choices before heart surgery are natural, whole foods that you cook with minimal sodium. Foods such as fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants that can boost your immune system before surgery. Lean protein sources such as skinless chicken, fish and soybeans can help prevent muscle deterioration. Whole grain choices can make your blood sugar levels constant and give you energy if your heart condition is making you feel especially fatigued.
References
- University of Southern California: A Patient's Guide to Heart Surgery
- University of Southern California: Patient's Guide to Heart Transplant Surgery
- MayoClinic.com; Heart-Healthy Diet: 8 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease; March 2011
- HelpGuide.org; Heart Healthy Diet Tips; Jocelyn Block and Melinda Smith; May 2010
