Day Diet For Heart Patients And Diet For Congestive Heart

I was admitted because of a heart attack 3 years back. Still I suffer from high BP and low cholesterol and survive on medicines. Do recommend healthy diet for me in order to avoid re-attack.

People suffer from a heart attack when a blockage is developed in one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart. A reduction in the supply of blood to the heart reduces its efficiency, as a result of which it stops working and the person collapses.

The artery blockage may occur as the arterial walls become diseased over time. The blood starts depositing traces of fats that are present in it gradually on the arterial walls. Soon, the blockage grows to form a clot that completely prevents the blood from passing through, causing a heart attack.

Diet Plan For Preventing Re-Attack

A well designed diet can help prevent a heart attack or avoid it from recurring. Heart patients must eat a lot of whole foods and keep a vegetarian diet, consisting of vegetables and fruits, nuts, and whole grains.

• Raw vegetables and fruits are extremely helpful. If necessary, cook very slightly in order to preserve the enzymes.
• Take several small meals which are low in salt in the first week following the heart attack. Do not use cold liquids. Vegetables such as cauliflower and carrots are very good as they are low in salt, easily accepted, and carry essential minerals and vitamins.
• Avoid red meat and processed food. Red meat has saturated fats where as processed foods contain trans fatty acids. Both are major causes of a heart attack. Consume omega-3 fatty acids as they are believed to reduce blood cholesterol level.
• Eat foods that contain magnesium such as wheat germ, potatoes, broccoli, and spinach. These will help regulate the heart activity.
• Consume garlic in your meal as it lowers the blood pressure, reduces cholesterol and prevents the formation of thrombus, or a blood clot.
• Onions have antioxidants and are beneficial for your heart.
• Drink fresh vegetable juices. These will provide you with energy and important vitamins and minerals, besides improving the health of your heart.
• Cayenne pepper is good for lowering your cholesterol level, increasing the flow of blood and preventing platelets from assimilating.
• Honey is known for its curative powers. One teaspoon of honey, taken two to three times a week will help strengthen your heart.
• Walnut reduces the risk of a heart attack dramatically.
• Avoid or reduce the use of alcohol, caffeine products, and carbonated drinks.
• Use two egg whites instead of single whole egg.
• Reduce your sugar intake.