Cardiac diets are widely prescribed in the hospital setting for patients with heart disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction and disorders of lipid metabolism. A cardiac diet can be part of a plan for either treatment or prevention of cardiovascular disease. It is suggested by the American Heart Association that a person with a history of heart disease should consume an overall healthy diet.
Sodium and Potassium
Quite often hypertension and heart disease are related. The most important nutrients involved in blood pressure levels are sodium and potassium. Ideally, sodium intake should be under 2300mg a day. If a person already suffers from hypertension, the sodium content of the diet is usually controlled at 1500mg a day or below. It is advised to avoid adding salt to your food, as 1 tsp. salt contains 2300mg of sodium. Canned soups, frozen dinners, lunch meats, hot dogs and many types of sauces should be limited.
An important electrolyte that aids in the reduction of blood pressure is potassium. The recommended dietary intake for all adults is 4700mg a day. In some individuals, dietary potassium can blunt the effect of salt, thus lowering blood pressure. Good food sources of potassium are potatoes, lima beans, spinach, prunes, sweet potatoes, bananas, yogurt, cantaloupe and orange juice.
Cholesterol and Fats
Cholesterol, saturated fats and trans fatty acids are other nutrients that should be reduced when following a cardiac diet. The American Heart Association recommends that those suffering from heart disease limit their saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of total calories, trans fats to less than 1 percent and cholesterol to less than 300mg daily. Dietary cholesterol and saturated fats are mostly found in foods that are derived from animals such as meat, poultry and dairy products. Trans fats are found in processed, ready-made foods and should be avoided.
Caffeine
In addition to fat and sodium restrictions, cardiac diets may include a caffeine restriction of zero to two caffeine-containing items, such as coffee or soda, per day. Caffeine is a stimulant and can increase the heart rate.
Plant Sterols
According to the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health, consuming 2g per day of plant sterols/stanols can be therapeutic for heart disease sufferers. They are believed to block cholesterol absorption sites in the human intestine, thus helping to reduce cholesterol and lower LDL levels. Although plant sterols are found in food, the amount needed requires supplementation from fortified foods sources and/or supplements. Some food sources are corn oil, nuts, seeds, wheat germ and soybean oil. There are a few margarine type spreads on the market today that are fortified with plant sterols.
So What Can I Eat?
The cardiac diet is a diet that anyone can follow. It should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. If weight loss is required then portion sizes should be monitored.
Not all fat has to be avoided. Fats to include in your diet are omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are plant based. Examples are olive oil, safflower oil, nuts and avocados.Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that are not made by the body and need to be supplied by the diet. Health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include decreasing LDLs, increasing HDLs, and decreasing triglyceride levels. The American Heart Association recommends consuming fish, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, at least twice a week.
If triglyceride levels are extremely elevated, supplementation of 2 to 4g of EPA and DHA, two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids, per day may be beneficial. However, before starting any diet or supplement regimen, it is always recommended to consult your physician or dietitian.
