Types of food that are prohibited for heart disease

Heart disease can lead to severe, life-threatening complications. Therefore, people who experience symptoms of cardiovascular disease must get medical attention immediately. So, so that the symptoms do not recur, the patient must take medication. Also, avoid dietary restrictions that can worsen heart disease. So, what are the foods and drinks that are prohibited for people with heart disease? Find out the answer below.

Foods that are prohibited for heart disease patients

Heart disease cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be controlled with medication. Starting from taking medications such as heparin to undergoing medical procedures, such as angioplasty.

Not only that, heart disease patients must carefully choose food and drinks. They should increase their consumption of heart-healthy foods, for example, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish rich in omega 3.

Conversely, if the patient is still stubborn about consuming foods and drinks that are prohibited for heart disease, the treatment will be ineffective.

If you are diagnosed with various types of heart disease, such as atherosclerosis or arrhythmia, a list of abstinence foods to avoid includes:

1. Foods high in fat and cholesterol

The most common cause of heart disease is plaque constriction and blockage of the arteries. In a healthy person, these blood vessels provide a pathway for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart.

However, in people with heart disease, these pathways become narrower due to plaque. As a result, blood flow is not smooth.

The plaque in the arteries is formed by fat and cholesterol from the food you eat every day. If foods high in fat and cholesterol are consumed frequently, the risk of heart disease will be even greater.

If cardiovascular disease patients consume these foods, the condition of the heart and blood vessels will worsen. That is why, this type of food is taboo for people with heart disease.

Examples of foods that are prohibited for people with heart disease are pizza, burgers, meat with fat, and various fried foods.

2. Processed meat

Sources of animal protein are good for the heart. You can get these nutrients from beef. However, not processed beef, such as sausage, corned beef, or bacon.

This type of meat undergoes a processing process that is usually added with preservatives. Meat preservatives that are often used are nitrites and salt.

People with heart problems are required to reduce their salt intake. Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic page, salt can raise blood pressure and reduce oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart.

When blood pressure is high, the heart will put a lot of pressure on it and work harder to pump blood around the body. In patients with cardiovascular disease, arteries can be damaged and eventually cause a heart attack or stroke.

Instead of eating foods that are prohibited for heart disease sufferers, you are better off choosing fresh beef dishes that are set aside for fat.

3. Mayonnaise and margarine that are high in trans fats

As a complement and flavor, mayonnaise is often added to food. Call it burgers, salads, and other junk food. Even though it is delicious, it turns out that people with heart disease should avoid these foods.

It is feared that the consumption of mayonnaise and margarine containing trans fats triggers an increase in cholesterol and worsens cardiovascular disease. Instead of mayonnaise, you can use plain, low-fat yogurt. Use this yogurt as a topping for your healthy salad.

You can also replace this mayonnaise with olive oil, which is a heart-healthy oil. However, the use of olive oil should also be limited.

4. Snacks and salty foods

Limiting salt intake is one of the dietary rules for patients with cardiovascular disease. So, there is no doubt that salty snacks, such as savory macaroni or potato chips, are prohibited foods for people with heart disease.

You can replace this snack with healthier foods, such as bananas, apples, or yogurt with toppings almonds or strawberries.

Then, make sure the dishes you are processing do not add a lot of salt. Try adding spices to keep the food delicious and appetizing.

5. Foods high in sugar

Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease as well as making the condition worse. Therefore, the doctor will ask the patient with heart disease to keep their weight under control; neither too fat nor too thin.

So that you are not overweight, the consumption of foods high in sugar must be avoided. Moreover, consumed too often. Examples of high-sugar foods that are taboo for heart disease patients are candied dried fruit, candy, sweet pastries, and ice cream.

You're better off eating plain, low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit, or unflavored almonds.

Not only food, there are also types of drinks that are prohibited

For those of you who suffer from heart disease, besides the need to pay attention to prohibited foods, there are also drinks that should be avoided, namely soda and soft drinks. This type of drink is known to be high in sugar, so it is feared that it will cause excessive calorie intake per day.

People with cardiovascular disease need to limit their calorie intake to keep their weight under control. If excessive calorie intake is coupled with a lack of physical activity, you will gain weight. This condition can worsen heart conditions.

Besides being high in sugar, neither soda nor soft drinks contain many nutrients. It would be better, you prioritize drinking water and adding fruit juice or infused water as a variation.

Determining foods that are safe for heart disease may not be easy for you. But, you dont have to worry. Do further consultation with a cardiologist or nutritionist who treats your condition.