Significance

• According to the National Center for Health Statistics, heart disease and stroke killed more than 800,000 Americans in 2005. A healthy diet is the most efficient and effective way to promote a healthy heart. Changing eating habits is a behavior modification that can be done gradually over time and can not only improve the health of the heart, but the health of the whole body.
  
  

Function

• The function of a heart-healthy diet is to minimize the amount of unhealthy foods that can increase cholesterol and high blood pressure and to increase the intake of foods that benefit the heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a heart-healthy diet may used by anyone over the age of two. A heart healthy diet may be used before heart disease develops or to prevent worsening of existing heart disease.
  
  

Types

• Heart-healthy diets may include special restrictions on sodium, fats, alcohol and calories. According to the Mayo Clinic, consuming up to one glass of red wine per day may have beneficial effects on the heart. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), low-salt diets can lower blood pressure. A low-salt diet may require eliminating table salt from meals as well as avoiding processed and prepared foods. A low-fat diet may restrict the amount and types of oils, meat, dairy products and eggs consumed. According to the FDA, diets high in saturated fat promotes atherosclerosis, which may cause heart attacks and stroke. A low-calorie diet may vary by individual needs and should be set by a physician. Low-calorie diets may include substituting high calorie foods with lower calorie options, eating more fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
  
  

Features

• The American Heart Association has developed suggestions for making healthy choices. Dietary recommendations for a heart healthy diet include choosing unsaturated fats over saturated fats, avoiding trans-fats, substituting soy or legumes for meats, and choosing non-fat or low-fat dairy over whole fat. Another feature of heart-healthy diets is the method by which foods are cooked. The American Heart Association recommends avoiding fried foods, foods in cream sauce, canned foods and foods in syrup.
  
  

Considerations

• Nutritional requirements vary from person to person, based on level of physical activity, age, sex, height and weight. According to the American Heart Association, a sudden or restrictive diet should not begin without first consulting a physician or nutritionist. People with other medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, may have additional dietary restrictions and should work with a dietitian or doctor to plan a healthy menu for daily eating.
  
  

Benefits

• Following a heart-healthy diet may prevent heart disease before it starts. A heart-healthy diet may also prevent other health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, which negatively impact health. Following a heart-healthy diet may improve a person's understanding about good nutrition, meal planning and cooking techniques. It is also a great family activity.
  
  

Warning

• A sudden or drastic change in the amount of calories consumed should not be done without first consulting a doctor or nutritionist, due to the risk of developing anemia or eating disorders. According to the Mayo Clinic, switching over to a hearthealthy diet may take several months to a year to achieve. A heart-healthy diet must continue for a lifetime in order to be the most beneficial, and may require considerable permanent lifestyle changes.