A cardiac diet is limited in fat, sodium and cholesterol in order to prevent plaque buildup on blood vessel walls and to prevent further damage to blood vessels caused by high blood pressure. This diet is typically prescribed in a hospital after a coronary event such as a heart attack. A cardiac diet is a generally healthy diet that is safe for most individuals, but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before making any major dietary modifications.
Fat
Fats are found in a variety of plant and animal products; some are heart-healthy, while others are bad for your health. The American Heart Association recommends that only 7 percent of total calories come from saturated fat, which equates to less than 16 grams of saturated fat daily on a 2,000-calorie diet. Trans fats are especially harmful to cholesterol levels. To increase the unsaturated, or healthy, fats in your diet, replace animal fats with plant fats such as nuts, oils and avocados.
Sodium
Sodium elevates blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium daily if you have diabetes, hypertension, renal disease or are over age 50. Eat mostly fresh foods and limit canned, processed, convenience and restaurant foods in order to limit dietary sodium. Use salt-free seasonings, herbs and pepper in place of the salt shaker.
Cholesterol
Meats, eggs and dairy products are sources of dietary cholesterol. When you eat too much cholesterol and your cholesterol levels rise too high, plaque forms on the inside of blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the heart and brain. The American Heart Association recommends limiting cholesterol intake to 200 milligrams daily if you have existing heart disease. Include lean sources of meat, fish and low-fat or fat-free dairy products in your diet regularly. Limit cheese, eggs, full-fat dairy products and high-fat cuts of meat.
Other Considerations
Potassium and fiber help promote heart health. Include good sources of potassium in your diet daily, such as potatoes, bananas, oranges, apricots and cantaloupe. Potassium sources are easy to identify; they are usually orange in color. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are good sources of fiber, which can help rid the body of excess cholesterol. For those 50 years old and younger, the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine recommends 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams of fiber per day for men.
