Heart disease, including heart attacks or infarctions, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

While it can be a challenging diagnosis to receive, there are many lifestyle changes one can make to prevent further damage to the heart and improve overall heart health. One of the most important changes is making dietary changes to promote a strong heart. Here are some tips and tricks for infarction patients looking to improve their heart health through diet.

Limit Sodium Intake

Sodium, or salt, can lead to increased blood pressure, which can lead to damage to the heart and blood vessels. Infarction patients should aim to limit their sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day.

This can be achieved by limiting processed and packaged foods, using herbs and spices to flavor dishes instead of salt, and reading labels carefully when grocery shopping.

Increase Fiber Intake

Fiber is an important nutrient for heart health as it can help reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve overall digestion.

Infarction patients should aim to consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day from sources such as beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Eat Healthy Fats

Not all fats are bad for the heart. In fact, some fats can improve heart health when consumed in moderation and in place of unhealthy fats.

Infarction patients should aim to consume healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocado, and certain types of nuts such as walnuts and almonds. Saturated and trans fats should be limited as they can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Choose Lean Proteins

Protein is an important nutrient for overall health, but not all proteins are created equal when it comes to heart health.

Infarction patients should aim to choose lean proteins such as poultry, fish, lean cuts of beef and pork, and plant-based sources such as beans and legumes. Processed meats such as bacon and sausage should be limited as they can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Limit Added Sugars

Added sugars, such as those found in sugary drinks, baked goods, and candy, can contribute to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease.

Infarction patients should aim to limit their intake of added sugars and opt for natural sources of sweetness such as fruit.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can put strain on the heart and lead to increased risk of heart attacks or infarctions. Infarction patients should aim to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limiting sugary drinks and alcohol.

Avoid Alcohol or Limit Intake

Alcohol can contribute to increased blood pressure and damage to the heart and blood vessels. Infarction patients should avoid alcohol or limit their intake to no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

Get Creative in the Kitchen

One of the biggest challenges for infarction patients can be finding healthy and delicious meal options. Get creative in the kitchen by experimenting with new recipes and ingredients such as herbs, spices, and healthy fats.

Try new cooking methods such as grilling, baking, or roasting to add flavor to dishes without the use of unhealthy fats or salt.

Consult with a Dietitian

Every infarction patient is unique and may have different dietary needs based on their individual health history.

Consulting with a registered dietitian can help patients develop a tailored and realistic eating plan to improve heart health and overall wellness.

Make Healthy Choices a Lifestyle

Improving heart health through diet is not a quick fix, but rather a lifestyle change. Infarction patients should aim to make healthy choices a habit and incorporate them into their daily routine.

By making simple changes and prioritizing heart health, patients can improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of further heart damage.