How to choose the best diet for heart disease reversal

When it comes to our heart health, making the right dietary choices can play an important role in preventing and reversing heart disease (1).

In this article we will explore:

• The Impact of Diet on Heart Health
• Key Components of the Best Diet for Heart Disease Reversal
• The Mediterranean Diet
• DASH Diet
• Foods to Avoid
• The Role of Exercise
• How to Reverse Heart Disease?

Your diet is a critical factor in determining the health of your heart (1,2). Research consistently emphasises the influence of diet on cardiovascular health, whereby it’s not just about preventing heart disease; but also choosing the right diet to assist with reversing its effects (3).

Studies have highlighted that dietary interventions can lead to significant reductions in heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels (4). So what does a heart-healthy diet look like?

To effectively reverse heart disease, it’s essential to delve into the specific dietary components that make a significant difference:

• Fibre: Fibre-rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, are the foundation of heart-healthy diets (5). Soluble fibre, in particular, is known for its ability to reduce cholesterol levels, stabilise blood sugar, and maintain a healthy weight. Legumes, oats, and bran are excellent sources of soluble fibre (6).
• Lean Proteins: Proteins are essential for our bodies, but choosing the right sources of protein is crucial for heart health (7). Lean proteins, including poultry, fish, and plant-based options like tofu and legumes, provide essential amino acids without the saturated fat found in red meat (8).

When discussing the best diet for heart disease reversal, the following two diets are recommended. These both incorporate high fibre and good quality lean proteins, with additional features important for heart health.

One of the diets consistently recommended by experts is the Mediterranean diet (9). This dietary pattern, commonly observed in Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy, emphasises:

• Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats, olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet and has been linked to improved heart health (10). This oil helps to reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of heart disease (11).
• Fish: Regular consumption of fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines provides omega-3 fatty acids, known for their heart-protective properties (12). Omega-3s help reduce the risk of arrhythmias, lower blood pressure, and decrease triglyceride levels (13).

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, endorsed by the British Heart Foundation and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is another excellent choice for heart health, especially for those individuals who have high blood pressure (14) This diet focusses on:

• Reducing Sodium Intake: High sodium intake is associated with increased blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease (15). The DASH diet emphasises reducing salt intake to manage blood pressure effectively.
• Incorporating Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that support heart health (16). The DASH diet recommends a high intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, and leafy greens to help lower blood pressure (17).

Heart health isn’t just about what you should eat; it’s also about what you should avoid (18). Some foods can exacerbate heart disease and should be minimised or eliminated from your diet:

• Trans Fats: Trans fats, found in many processed and fried foods, can raise LDL cholesterol levels, which build up in our arteries and vessels, and increase the risk of heart disease (19).
• Excess Sugar: High sugar intake, especially from sugary beverages and added sugars, is linked to obesity and heart disease (20). Reducing sugar consumption is essential for overall heart health.

While diet plays a crucial role, a comprehensive approach to heart disease reversal includes regular physical activity (21). Exercise not only helps with weight management, but also strengthens the heart and improves overall cardiovascular fitness (22). The British Heart Foundation recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for optimal heart health (23).

While reversing heart disease is a gradual and long-term process that requires commitment, there are steps you can take to facilitate the journey to better heart health. This requires consulting with all members of your healthcare team, with personalised guidance from a doctor or cardiologist being key. Initial interventions may include medications to manage risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol to improve these levels. Additionally, implementing immediate dietary changes, such as reducing saturated and trans fats, and increasing your intake of heart-healthy foods can have great benefits. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, can also make a significant difference. However, it’s crucial to remember that consistency is key, and making sustainable lifestyle changes will yield the most lasting results in your quest to reverse heart disease. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your treatment plan or lifestyle.

Remember, your heart health is within your control, and the choices you make today can have a profound impact on your future. By following the advice from your doctor, in conjunction with lifestyle management presented in this article, you can take meaningful steps towards a heart-healthy lifestyle that can help prevent and even reverse heart disease. Your heart deserves the best care, and a well-informed diet is a powerful tool on your journey to a healthier heart.

At the end of the day, my advice as a Dietitian is to realise that it’s never too late to start making positive changes in your diet and lifestyle to protect your heart. If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, it’s important to consult with your Doctor and Cardiologist to ensure you’re taking the required steps, for example necessary medications if needed, however choosing the best diet for heart disease reversal is a proactive step towards safeguarding your cardiovascular health.