Changes in diet are aimed at helping you lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Changes in your diet may be difficult to make, but even small changes can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of getting new coronary artery disease.
Reduce fats
Reduce the use of saturated fats and trans fats (such as hydrogenated oils found in cookies and crackers) while increasing your use of polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, such as canola and olive oils, in your diet. The American Heart Association suggests that you eat a diet that contains less than 30% total fat. If you have coronary artery disease, you want only 7% of your calories to come from saturated fat, and your total daily intake of fat should not be more than 30% of your total calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, 7% of the calories equals 16 grams of saturated fat. Substituting moderate amounts of healthful canola and olive oils for saturated fats and avoiding a high-carbohydrate diet may be beneficial, especially if you have diabetes or metabolic syndrome. See the topic High Cholesterol for more information on fat in the diet. For more information on cholesterol-reducing diets, see the therapeutic lifestyle changes diet.
Increase fiber
A high-fiber diet is also recommended for people with heart disease. Rich sources of fiber include beans, oats, grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for people with heart problems. This diet contains more fiber, especially that found in fruits and vegetables, and less saturated fat and carbohydrates (sugars and starches) for better heart health.
Add fish
Fish is high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and low in unhealthy saturated fat. Studies show that eating fish or taking fish oil after a heart attack leads to a significantly lower risk for death, heart attack, or stroke and is particularly effective in reducing fatal heart attacks. 1, 2 Studies on the benefits of fish oil supplements are ongoing.
Reduce salt
Reducing salt in your diet may help you lower high blood pressure. Eat less than 2.4 g (2,400 mg) of sodium or approximately 6 g of sodium chloride (salt) per day (check food labels for the amount of sodium per serving). The American Heart Association recommends that sodium intake should be less than 2.4 grams per day, which is about 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt.
Eat a diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, grains, and legumes. Most of these foods do not contain sodium.
Watch for hidden sodium in foods. Monosodium glutamate, disodium phosphate, and other ingredients in foods contain sodium. Check the label. Look for products that say "low sodium," which must contain less than 140 mg of sodium per serving. Limit fast foods and prepackaged foods because they often contain large amounts of salt and sodium.
Consider antioxidants
Antioxidants may protect blood vessels from cholesterol buildup. Fresh fruits, vegetables, green tea, and red wine contain natural antioxidants that may be helpful. Supplements (in pills or capsules) of vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene have not been shown to be beneficial in people with heart disease. 3 In fact, supplements can reduce the benefits of taking niacin.
Add folic acid
Some studies have shown that a lower risk of heart disease is seen when people have enough folic acid in their diet. Folic acid is found in many of the foods we eat and is available as a supplement (although studies to prove the benefit of folic acid supplements are ongoing). Be sure to check with your health professional before taking any dietary supplements.
Limit alcohol
A small amount of alcohol, especially red wine, may have a protective effect on your heart. Drinking no more than 1 to 2 glasses per day may reduce the risk of developing heart disease by raising levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), or it may keep your existing heart disease from getting worse. However, the routine use of too much alcohol may increase the risk of liver disease. There is also an increased risk of breast cancer in women who drink alcohol. Talk to your doctor to see how much, if any, alcohol is safe for you. Alcohol may worsen some health problems and interfere with some medications. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol.
Control weight
Being overweight increases the risk of coronary artery disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The idea of losing a great deal of weight can be overwhelming. Remember, however, that losing even a few pounds can be helpful in improving your overall health.
References
Citations
Kris-Etherton PM, et al. (2002). Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation, 106(21): 2747–2757.
Valagussa F, et al. (1999). Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E after myocardial infarction: Results of the GISSI-Prevenzione trial. Lancet, 354(9177): 447–455.
Kris-Etherton P, et al. (2004). Antioxidant vitamin supplements and cardiovascular disease. Circulation, 110(5): 637–641.
Credits
| Author | Ellie Rodgers |
| Editor | Geri Metzger |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Linda F. Hellstedt, MSN, RN - Cardiac Nursing |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Neil J. Stone, MD - Internal Medicine, Cardiology |
| Last Updated | November 5, 2004 |
