This document outlines the key components of a therapeutic cardiac diet. It discusses how diet is connected to cardiovascular disease and defines a heart-healthy diet as high in fruits/vegetables, fiber, and omega-3s while being low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, and sodium. The goals of such a diet are to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL. Sample menus and the DASH diet are provided as examples of heart-healthy eating plans.

1. THERAPEUTIC CARDIAC DIET
PRESENTED BY: SARAH ALZAHRANI & AMAL ALHARBI
UNDER SUPERVISION: DR/ ENAS KASSEM

2. OBJECTIVES:
▪ Explain the connection between diet and CVD.
▪ Define heart healthy diet.
▪ Identify goals of heart healthy diet.
▪ Discuss keys to cardiac nutrition therapy. (Basic Nutrition)
▪ Explain Sample for 1-day menu.
▪ Define DASH diet.
▪ Discuss DASH diet recommendations.

3. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DIET AND
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
▪ Diet directly affects the development of atherosclerosis
(lesions which can block arteries), the underlying cause for
CVD. Diet also affects blood cholesterol levels, body weight,
blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.

4. WHAT IS A HEART-HEALTHY DIET?
A heart-healthy diet is:
▪ High in omega-3 fats, found in many fishes, especially salmon
▪ High in fiber
▪ High in fruits and in green, red and orange vegetables
▪ Low in saturated fats and trans fats
▪ Low in sodium
▪ Low in sugar
▪ Low in cholesterol
▪ Low in alcohol or alcohol-free
▪ Calorie-balanced to support a healthy weight

5. The goals of a heart-healthy diet are to eat foods that help obtain or
maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and fatty molecules called
lipids. You can achieve this by:
• -Reducing overall cholesterol levels and low-density lipoproteins
(LDL), which are harmful to the heart
• -Increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which are beneficial
for the heart
• -Reducing other harmful lipids (fatty molecules), such as
triglycerides and lipoprotein.
Any diet should also help keep blood pressure and weight under
control.

6. KEYS TO CARDIAC NUTRITION THERAPY

7. FATS AND OILS

8. Limit saturated fats and trans fat:
▪ Foods high in saturated fat include fatty meat, poultry skin, bacon, sausage, whole milk, cream ,
and butter.
▪ Trans fat are found in some fried foods, and backed foods made with hydrogenated oils.
Limit amount of cholesterol that you eat less than 200 mg per day:
▪ Food high in cholesterol include egg yolks ,fatty meat, whole milk ,cheese, shrimp, lobster, and
crab.
Eat more omega-3 fats (heart healthy fats):
▪ Good choice include salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines.
▪ Other foods with omega-3 fats include walnuts and canola and soybean oils.
Limit that total amount of fat that you eat including heart healthy fats to 25% to
35% of the calories that you eat

9. Diet can influence LDL-cholesterol levels :
A typical American diet contains about 40% of its total energy content as fat;
▪ Half this energy is in the form of saturated fatty acids
▪ One-fourth as monounsaturated fatty acids
▪ One-fourth as polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The quantity and nature of dietary fats can influence the level of plasma cholesterol. High
levels of saturated fats in the diet result in an increase in plasma LDL cholesterol

10. CARBOHYDRATES, FIBER, AND SUGAR

11. ▪ Carbohydrates are either complex (as in starches) or simple (as in
sugars).
▪ Many studies report that people can protect their heart and circulation by
eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
▪ Complex Carbohydrates (Fiber). found in whole grains and vegetables
are preferred over those found in starch-heavy foods, such as pastas,
white-flour products, and white potatoes.
▪ Most complex carbohydrates are high in fiber, which is important for
health. Whole grains are extremely important for people with diabetes or
those at risk for it.

12. ▪ The recommended daily intake of dietary fiber for heart protection :
(19 to 50)
▪ at least 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men .
(Older women and men )
▪ at least 21 and 30 grams of fiber, respectively
Different fiber types may have specific benefits:
▪ Insoluble fiber (found in wheat bran, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, and fruits
and vegetables) may help achieve weight loss. Consuming whole grains on a regular
basis may lower the risk for heart disease and heart failure.
▪ Soluble fiber (found in dried beans, oat bran, barley, apples, and citrus fruits) may help
achieve healthy cholesterol levels and possibly reduce blood pressure .

13. (Sugar):
Doctors recommend that no more than 10% of daily calories should come from sugar.
Sugars are usually one of two types:
▪ Naturally occurring sugars are found naturally in foods such as fruit (fructose) and
milk (lactose).
▪ Added sugars include any sugars or caloric sweeteners that are added to foods or
beverages during processing or preparation (such as putting sugar in your coffee or
adding sugar to your cereal). Added sugars can include natural sugars such as white
sugar, brown sugar and honey as well as other caloric sweeteners that are chemically
manufactured (such as high fructose corn syrup).

14. PROTEIN

15. ▪ Protein is found in animal-based products (meat, fish, and dairy) as well as vegetable sources such as
beans, soy, nuts, and whole grains.
▪ In general, doctors recommend that proteins should provide 12 - 20% of daily calories.
▪ Fish is probably the best source of protein. Evidence suggests that eating moderate amounts of fish
(twice a week) may improve :
▪ Triglyceride
▪ HDL levels
▪ Help lower :
1/the risks for death from heart disease,
2/ Dangerous heart rhythms,
3/ Blood pressure,
4/ A tendency for blood clots,
5/ The risk for stroke.

16. Finding balance, choosing the right kind and amount of protein:
▪ When choosing protein, opt for low-fat options, such as lean meats, skim milk
or other foods with high levels of protein.
▪ Choose main dishes that combine meat and vegetables together, such as low-fat
soups, or a stir-fry that emphasizes veggies.
▪ Watch portion size. Aim for 2- to 3-ounce servings.
▪ If you’re having an appetizer, try a plate of raw veggies instead of a cheese
plate. Cheese adds protein, but also fat.

17. VITAMINS

18. ▪ Antioxidant Vitamins.
▪ Are a group of compounds that help to protect the body from the formation
and elimination of free-radicals. Free-radicals are formed from exposure to
sunlight and pollution and also as a byproduct of cell metabolism. Alcohol,
cigarette smoke, stress and even diet also affect the level of free-radical
development in the body.
Vitamin E : a fat soluble vitamin present in nuts, seeds, vegetable and fish oils,
whole grains (esp. wheat germ), fortified cereals, and apricots.
Vitamin C : a water soluble vitamin present in citrus fruits and juices, green
peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries.

19. ▪ Vitamin K stop vascular calcification. It appears to activate a protein in
artery walls that keep calcified hardened section of blood vessels from
expanding and causing more damage.
▪ Beta-carotene is present in liver, egg yolk, milk, butter, spinach, carrots,
squash, broccoli, yams, tomato, cantaloupe, peaches, and grains.
▪ (NOTE: Vitamin A has no antioxidant properties and can be quite toxic
when taken in excess.)

20. MINERALS

21. ▪ Potassium. A potassium-rich diet can provide a small reduction in blood pressure. Potassium-rich foods
include bananas, oranges, pears, prunes, cantaloupes, tomatoes, dried peas and beans, nuts, potatoes,
and avocados. Potassium supplements should not be taken by patients without checking with your doctor
first.
▪ For those using potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone), or have chronic kidney problems,
potassium supplements may be very dangerous.
▪ Magnesium. Some studies suggest that magnesium supplements may cause small but significant
reductions in blood pressure. The recommended daily allowance of magnesium is 320 mg.
▪ Calcium regulates the tone of the smooth muscles lining blood vessels. Studies have found that people
who consume enough dietary calcium on a daily basis have lower blood pressure than those who do not.
▪ Studies have indicated that calcium supplements do not prevent heart disease and some controversial
reports suggest that they might even increase risk.

22. SODIUM (SALT)

23. ▪ sodium increases blood pressure because it holds excess fluid in the body, creating an
added burden to your heart.
▪ Blood pressure rises with age, and eating less sodium now will help curb that rise and
reduce your risk of developing other conditions associated with too much sodium, such
as stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, and kidney disease.

24. Some tips to lower your sodium (salt) intake:
▪ Look for foods that are labeled “low-sodium,” “sodium-free,” “no salt added,” or
“unsalted.” Check the total sodium content on food labels.
▪ Don’t cook with salt or add salt to your food. Try pepper, garlic, lemon, or other
spices for flavor instead.
▪ Avoid processed meats (particularly cured meats, bacon, hot dogs, sausage, and
ham). Processed meats have been associated with increased risk for heart disease.
▪ Avoid foods that are naturally high in sodium, like, nuts, olives, pickles, sauerkraut,
soy tomato and other vegetable juices, and cheese.
▪ Take care when eating out. Stick to steamed, grilled, baked, boiled, and broiled foods
with no added salt, sauce, or cheese.
▪ Use oil and vinegar, rather than bottled dressings, on salads.
▪ Eat fresh fruit or sorbet when having dessert.

25. SAMPLE 1-DAY MENU

26. Meal Food choices
Breakfast
½ cup apple juice
¾ cup oatmeal with 1 small banana and 1 cup skim milk
1 cup brewed coffee
Lunch
Turkey and cheese sandwich , 2 slices whole wheat bread ,1 Oz low-fat swiss
cheese, mustard , 1 medium sliced tomato ,shredded lettuce , 1 cup skim milk
Evening meal
3 Oz broiled fish , 1 cup brown rice with 1 teaspoon soft margarine
1 medium stalk broccoli and 1 medium carrot
Tossed salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, chickpeas, and olive oil and vinegar
dressing
1 cup of tea
½ cup nonfat frozen yogurt with fruit
Snacks
1 Oz trail mix made with nuts, seeds, raisins ,and other dried fruit
1 cup blueberries
1 cup skim milk

27. DASH DIET

28. DASH DIET
▪ An eating plan designed to lower the blood pressure. DASH is an acronym for Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH "combination diet" has been shown to
decrease the blood pressure and so helps prevent and control high blood pressure.
▪ DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is proven to help lower blood
pressure, and may have additional benefits for preventing heart disease, stroke, and
heart failure.
▪ This diet is rich in important nutrients and fiber. It also provides far more potassium
(4,700 mg/day), calcium (1,250 mg/day), and magnesium (500 mg/day) but much
less sodium.

29. DASH DIET RECOMMENDATIONS:
 Limit sodium (salt) intake to no more than 2,300 mg a day (a maximum
intake of 1,500 mg a day .
 Reduce saturated fat to no more than 6% of daily calories and total fat to
27% of daily calories. (But, include calcium-rich dairy products that are
non- or low-fat.
 When choosing fats, select monounsaturated oils, such as olive or canola
oils.
 Choose whole grains over white flour or pasta products.

30.  Choose fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Many of these foods are
rich in potassium, fiber, or both, which may help lower blood pressure.
 Include nuts, seeds, or legumes (dried beans or peas) daily.
 Choose modest amounts of protein (no more than 18% of total daily
calories). Fish, skinless poultry, and soy products are the best protein
sources.
 Other daily nutrient goals in the DASH diet include limiting carbohydrates
to 55% of daily calories and dietary cholesterol to 150 mg. Patients
should try to get at least 30 g of daily fiber.

31. REFERENCE:
▪ Gail C. Frank , Community Nutrition, second edition,2008
▪ David Ed. Cavanagh ,Nutritional Biochemistry, second edition, 1999
▪ Dairy Australia , Cardiovascular Health, http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/
▪ University of Maryland Medical Center ,Heart-healthy diet, http://umm.edu/
▪ American dietetic association, Cardiac nutrition therapy http://www.eatright.org/
▪ American Heart Association, Basic Nutrition, http://www.heart.org
▪ MedicineNet.Com, DASH diet, http://www.medicinenet.com

32. THANK YOU