The Impact of Nutrition on Coronary Heart Disease in Women

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in American women, and the condition has a disproportionate impact on their lives. Even so, proper nutrition, exercise and regular checkups can go far in managing the disease.

Background

• CHD is caused by a buildup of plaque--made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances--in the arteries that surround the heart. The arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. When the arteries are narrowed by plaque or blocked by a clot, which the plaque makes more likely, the heart muscle functions poorly or ceases to function altogether. A heart attack is the result.

Death Rates

• Nearly one in three women dies from a CHD-induced illness, including stroke, heart disease and heart attack. CHD kills more women annually than lung and breast cancer combined.

Poor Nutrition

• High sodium diets that contain large amounts of trans and saturated fats raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack in women with CHD.

Diet

• The American Heart Association recommends eating a diet that contains fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, nonfat or low-fat dairy and low-fat sources of protein, including soy, which helps lowers cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are recommended as well, either in the form of fish oil or flax seed.

Smoking and Alcohol

• Women that suffer from CHD should avoid cigarettes and alcohol. Heavy drinking and smoking causes blood vessels to deteriorate, which increases the risk of heart attack.