Nutrition is the heartbeat of cardiovascular health, as healthy dietary patterns are a proven and effective way to shield against cardiovascular disease. And seeing as cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Western countries, it’s never been more critical.
Research links diets high in sodium, processed foods, added sugars and unhealthy fats—and low in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fiber, legumes, and fish and nuts—with a higher probability of developing cardiovascular disease. What’s more, cardiovascular disease tends to coincide with other diseases like obesity, diabetes and hypertension, making a heart-healthy diet incredibly important.
But with “heart health” being a pretty broad term, determining the right nutrition plan for you can be a little more challenging than you’d expect.
“It sort of depends on the heart problem,” says Micah Eimer, M.D., a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine in Lake Forest, Illinois and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “For example, patients who are prone to retaining fluid or have elevated blood pressure must limit their intake of sodium.”
“[But] patients who have lots of blockages in arteries but are less troubled with blood pressure would be best served to focus on the limitation of saturated fats and increases in dietary fiber,” he adds, illustrating how different cardiovascular issues might require different dietary guidelines.
Be sure to ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian, who can help you figure out a dietary plan that will work best for you and your needs.
