Diet for People with Heart Bypass Surgery

 

Dec 23, 2010 | By Jill Corleone, RD     

 

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Heart bypass surgery is a procedure that creates a new route for oxygen and blood to reach your heart. You may need heart bypass surgery if you have narrowed or blocked arteries caused by a buildup of plaque from elevated blood cholesterol levels. After your heart bypass surgery, you will need to make lifestyle changes that include following a healthy diet to prevent further plaque buildup.

Limit Fat and Cholesterol

To improve heart-health following heart bypass surgery, you will need to limit the amount of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol in your diet. High intakes of these fats increase blood cholesterol levels. The Cleveland Clinic recommends you limit your saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of total calories, trans fat to less than 1 percent of total calories and dietary cholesterol to less than 200mg a day. Animal products, including meat and dairy foods, are the primary source of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol. To limit your intake, choose lean cuts of meat, such as skinless poultry, fish, beef eye of round and pork tenderloin, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Eggs contain high amounts of dietary cholesterol and you will need to have two or fewer egg yolks a week following heart bypass surgery. Baked goods are the primary source of trans fat, and you should read food labels to identify foods with trans fat to help limit your intake.

 

Eat More Fish

After heart bypass surgery, you will need to include more heart-healthy fats in your diet such as omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. The Cleveland Clinic recommends you aim for two servings of oily fish a week to help keep your heart healthy following heart bypass surgery. Omega-3 fatty acids help to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Include More Whole Grains

You need to include more whole grains in your diet following heart bypass surgery. Whole grains contain high amounts of fiber. Fiber in food, specifically soluble fiber, helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. Healthy whole-grain choices include whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, whole-grain cereal, whole-grain crackers and popcorn. Read the ingredient list to identify whole-grain foods. A whole-grain food will list a whole grain, such as whole wheat or oats, as the first ingredient.

Increase Fruits and Vegetables

Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet after your heart bypass surgery. Fruits and vegetables contain the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin A, and may offer protection against heart disease. Fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber. Healthy fruits and vegetables to include in your diet following heart bypass surgery include cantaloupe, strawberries, oranges, apples, cherries, blueberries, spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, kale and tomatoes.

Limit Sodium

Limit your sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,300mg a day following heart bypass surgery, advises the Cleveland Clinic. Read food labels to help you identify high-sodium foods and track your intake. Some high-sodium foods include cheese, processed meats, snack foods, soups and fast food. You can limit your sodium intake by preparing mostly fresh foods at home without adding salt.