The cardiac diet restricts the intake of cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium. Some doctors also recommend that patients with cardiac disorders limit their intake of caffeine. Following these dietary restrictions reduces the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, coronary artery disease and other serious heart conditions. Discuss your diet with your doctor to determine the right combination of foods for your heart health.
Cholesterol
The liver produces cholesterol to help the body make hormones and cell membranes. Cholesterol also comes from the foods we eat, making a low-cholesterol diet important for controlling total cholesterol levels. The cardiac diet restricts the intake of cholesterol by limiting the consumption of high-cholesterol foods. Foods to avoid include whole eggs, sweetbreads, fried foods, shellfish and foods high in saturated fats.
Fats
Fats also affect the amounts of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein ("bad" cholesterol) in the blood. Unsaturated fats, also known as good fats, actually improve the levels of cholesterol in the blood. They also promote normal heart rhythm and reduce inflammation, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Good fats include monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Canola oil, olive oil, avocados, peanut oil, almonds, pecans and pumpkin seeds contain high concentrations of monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats include omega-3 fats, which come from fish, flax seeds, canola oil and walnuts.
Bad fats, also known as saturated fats, increase cholesterol levels. Since the body produces all of the saturated fat it needs to function, humans do not need to eat saturated fats in their diets. The cardiac diet restricts the intake of saturated fats to reduce the risk of serious heart problems. Decatur Memorial Hospital recommends limiting your saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of your daily calories. Avoid seafood, meat, whole-milk dairy items, coconut and poultry with the skin.
Sodium
Sodium makes the heart work harder by causing the body to retain water. The extra water in the blood vessels forces the heart to pump harder to get blood to all of the organs and tissues. This increases blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke if not treated. The cardiac diet limits the amount of sodium you consume each day. Your doctor will tell you how much sodium to include in your diet. Avoid high-sodium foods such as potato chips, pretzels, canned vegetables, canned soups, frozen meals, processed or cured meats, fast food and soft drinks.
Caffeine
Caffeine increases heart rate, which poses serious risks for those who have had a heart attack. If your doctor recommends that you restrict caffeine intake, avoid regular coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, energy drinks and chocolates that contain high levels of caffeine. Replace these items with decaffeinated coffee, Sprite, Sierra Mist, root beer and orange soda.
Tips
Following the cardiac diet does not mean you have to give up all of the foods you enjoy. Use healthy cooking techniques to avoid adding fat and cholesterol to your meals. Eat fresh fruit, unsalted popcorn, raw vegetables and low-fat yogurt instead of snacks that contain sodium and saturated fat. Replace whole eggs with egg whites or egg substitutes.
References
- Harvard School of Public Health: Fats and Cholesterol - Out With the Bad, In With the Good
- Decatur Memorial Hospital: Cardiac Diet Nutritional Information
- American Heart Association: What is Cholesterol?
- Cavalier County Memorial Hospital & Clinics: Cardiac Diet
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: No Cardiac Stimulant Diet
