What Can I Eat After a Heart Attack or Angioplasty?

Angioplasty to open a blocked artery can be an awakening call to make some lifestyle changes and pay heed to your diet plan. Remember angioplasty might open blocked arteries but is not a cure for atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by cholesterol plaque lining the artery over time). In some cases, patients temporarily experience an appetite loss post angioplasty. However, they essentially need care and nutrient-rich food at regular intervals. Remember to follow the doctor’s prescribed medicines and diet plan in case any. Besides the doctor’s advice, we have a list of healthy suggestions that might be helpful.

Fruits and vegetables: are a perfect choice to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that your body needs. So, you can go in for 4-5 servings but remember to take them as provided by nature or simply flavor them with herbs and spices instead of cream or other high-fat topping sauces. Also, avoid ones with added salt or sugar. Despite umpteen health benefits that fruits and vegetables have for the heart, another great one is the intake of cranberries. Cranberries help reduce inflammation and also increase the dilation of blood vessels.

Whole grains: contain plenty of fiber that benefits heart health. Besides, they give you a feeling of being full, thus restricting you from overeating. Including a variety of whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat, millets, corn, etc., would be a wise decision. However, oats and barley have something special. It’s a fiber known as beta-glucan. The specialty of this fiber is that it sops up cholesterol from your digestive tract, thus preventing it from reaching the bloodstream.

Fenugreek (methi): These seeds are a rich source of soluble fiber that reduces cholesterol. No doubt, they can be added to your curry, dal, or even curd.

Sprouts and legumes: Legume includes beans, peas as well as lentils. Being a rich source of fiber and low-fat protein, these are a healthy option for all vegetarians. They can be prepared as dishes and served as salad toppings. Two servings of sprouts per day can be heart-friendly.

Heart-healthy oils: Vegetable-based oils such as canola, olive, peanut, sesame have healthy fats. Hence, they can be a healthy replacement for butter. However, coconut and palm oil contain saturated fats. So, limit their use. Foods with monosaturated and polysaturated fats would be better than the ones with partially hydrogenated or trans fats. So, check labels carefully.

Nuts: are a healthy source as most of them are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Moreover, they are easy to carry and also contain fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s just that they add a lot of calories. Hence their intake should be limited. These days nut butter is available in the market and can be enjoyed on whole-wheat bread. Experts recommend consuming nuts after being soaked overnight though it’s completely your choice.

Dark chocolate: Being rich in flavonoids (another type of antioxidant) dark chocolates can help lower blood pressure as well as reduce inflammation. Thus, a tidbit of dark chocolate is allowed when craving something sweet.

Freshly brewed tea: Brewing up a cup of flavonoid-rich tea when wanting to sip something soothing is yet another option. Such tea can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke as well as lower blood pressure. However, avoid taking it off and on on a regular basis.

Fish: For non-vegetarians, all protein sources such as red meat might not be healthy in your case. However, fish is an excellent choice as it contains comparatively less saturated fat. Moreover, they are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Just be careful when cooking. Use healthful ways such as grilling, baking, and poaching rather than going in for heavy gravies or loading them with high-fat sauces.

Plenty of water: Staying hydrated is the key to your health. Plenty of water intake undoubtedly helps you fight off viruses as well as clear out toxins leaving you healthier.

Remember to plan a healthy diet and abide by it at each meal or snack time rather than including a handful of superfoods randomly from here and there or say each category. Mark my words it’s only going to work if you plan well and follow it wisely and determinedly. It’s just not that difficult…to prevent a recurrence. Furthermore, it’s sensible to plan your diet with a nutritionist.

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