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Care Plan for Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary arteries supply your heart with oxygen rich blood. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, coronary artery disease is also known as coronary heart disease. It is a condition causing plaque to accumulate inside the coronary arteries. Advanced stages of artery blockage cause heart attacks. Plaque accumulation can be lessened, or prevented, by developing a care plan for coronary artery disease suitable to you. This ranges from eating a heart healthy diet to exercising more.

  1. Foods to Eat

    • Part of a care plan for coronary artery disease means eating what is known as a heart healthy diet, according to the American Heart Association. This meal plan consists of eating foods that are high in fiber, antioxidants and unsaturated fats. Eating a diet rich in whole grains (such as oats and oat bran, barley, whole wheat and wheat germ, millet and quinoa); plant sterols (soy foods); legumes such as beans and lentils; healthy seeds and nuts like almonds, flaxseeds and pistachios; Omega 3 fatty acids (salmon and cold water fish); healthy oils like olive or canola; and fresh produce. Heart healthy fresh produce includes fruits and vegetables that are fresh or frozen and not canned. Produce especially high in antioxidants include broccoli, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, cantaloupe and garlic.

    Foods To Avoid Or Limit

    • Saturated and trans fats are to be eliminated or limited. According to the USDA, foods high in saturated fats are red meats (beef, pork, lamb and other animals); deep fried foods; whole fat dairy foods (ice cream, milk, yogurt and sour cream); and processed meats such as bologna and salami.

      Trans fats are most often found in commercially prepared baked foods like cakes, pies, cakes and pastries. Other foods high in trans fats are those with shortening and partially hydrogenated oil in the ingredient list such as breads and crackers, energy bars, breakfast cereals and boxed cereals.

    Physical Activity

    • As little as 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise has been shown to be beneficial in lowering the risk of cardiovascular artery disease, according to the American Heart Association and Virginia Mason Medical Center. It can be done in 10 minute intervals, if desired. The Association considers walking as the ideal exercise since there is no cost involved (other than good walking shoes) and it can be done anywhere. Any increase in your physical activity level will help your care plan for coronary artery disease.

    Risk Factors To Know About

    • An important element of a care plan for coronary artery disease involves knowing what your blood cholesterol level is. Lower your "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while increasing your "good" cholesterol (HDL). Do not smoke. If overweight, lose weight. Manager your blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure (hypertension) can damage your arteries and heart. Controlling blood pressure plays a significant role in preventing heart failure.

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