Managing diet after a heart attack and with stents is really important for protecting your heart and keeping those arteries as healthy as possible. Here are the key foods to avoid or limit:
Avoid or limit these foods
- Salt/sodium — raises blood pressure and strains the heart; watch out for canned soups, processed foods, Show Full Answer
Managing diet after a heart attack and with stents is really important for protecting your heart and keeping those arteries as healthy as possible. Here are the key foods to avoid or limit:
Avoid or limit these foods:
- Salt/sodium — raises blood pressure and strains the heart; watch out for canned soups, processed foods, and restaurant meals
- Saturated and trans fats — found in red meat, full-fat dairy, and fried foods; can raise cholesterol and clog arteries
- Added sugars — found in sodas, flavored yogurts, and most processed foods; can raise blood pressure and cause inflammation
- Processed meats — bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and hot dogs are high in sodium and saturated fat
- Refined carbohydrates — white bread, crackers, and baked goods offer little nutritional value
- Alcohol — can raise blood pressure and make the heart work harder On the flip side, focusing on heart-friendly foods can make a real difference. Think fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish like salmon, lean proteins, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocado.
One MyHeartDiseaseTeam member shared that after three months of avoiding harmful foods, they noticed no shortness of breath, more energy, and an overall improvement in how they felt.
Always check with your cardiologist before making major dietary changes — they can tailor advice to your specific situation, especially with stents involved.
June 26
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