It's important for people like you to do everything possible to manage your overall cardiovascular
health. A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol can help lower blood cholesterol
levels and help prevent a heart attack or
stroke. If you're also watching your blood pressure, a diet low in sodium
is a good idea.
The American Heart Association has endorsed the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC)
diet. This healthy cardiac diet encourages intensive lifestyle changes to lower
cholesterol and reduce the risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack.
The table below shows the essential components of a healthy cardiac diet.
TLC Diet Guidelines
|
Nutrient
|
Recommended Intake as Percentage of Total Calories
|
|
Total Fat
|
25%–35%
|
|
Saturated
|
Less than 7%
|
|
Polyunsaturated
|
Up to 10%
|
|
Monounsaturated
|
Up to 20%
|
|
Carbohydrate
|
50%–60%
|
|
Protein
|
Approximately 15%
|
|
Cholesterol
|
Less than 200 mg per day
|
|
Total Calories
Your cardiac diet calorie target depends on your weight and activity level. A general
rule: you can calculate the calories needed to keep your weight constant by multiplying
your weight in pounds by these values at right. Ask your doctor or registered dietitian what is a reasonable calorie level for you.
|
- 10 (if sedentary or very obese)
- 13 (low activity level or over 55 years of age)
- 15 (moderate activity level)
- 18 (high activity level)
|
- People with diabetes or the metabolic syndrome who may substitute unsaturated fat
for carbohydrates are included in the 25% to 35% fat recommendation.
- Carbohydrates should come mainly from foods rich in complex carbohydrates. These
include grains (especially whole grains), fruits, and vegetables.
- Daily energy expenditure should include at least moderate physical activity if approved
by your doctor.
Because the TLC Diet may include changes to your current eating plan, your doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian (RD) who can help you make these changes. An RD will teach you about the TLC Diet, help you choose foods and plan menus, monitor your progress, encourage you to stay on the TLC Diet, and help you to adjust your calorie level accordingly.
Nutrition labels
Remember to read nutrition labels carefully. Look closely at the percentage of total
fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. It’s important to realize that these percentages
are the amount contained in one serving of the food product. Check the label to
see how much of the food is considered to be one serving and remember that the information
is based on a 2000-calorie-per-day cardiac diet.
Food for thought
Try making these simple food substitutions. They can help lower your weight and
your overall health risk.
|
Instead of:
|
Substitute:
|
|
Mayonnaise
|
>>
|
Mustard
|
|
Potato chips
|
>>
|
Baked tortilla chips
|
|
Shortening
|
>>
|
Fat-free cooking spray
|
|
Ice cream
|
>>
|
Low-fat frozen yogurt
|
|
Whole milk
|
>>
|
1% or skim milk
|
|
Corn oil
|
>>
|
Canola oil
|
|
Beef
|
>>
|
Grilled fish or chicken
|
Healthy tips for dining out
Eating a heart healthy diet that’s low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium doesn’t mean
you have to stay home. Most restaurants offer plenty of low-fat, low-cholesterol,
low-sodium menu choices, including desserts! If you dine out on a regular basis,
be sure to talk to your doctor about the best types of dishes to order to keep your
diet on track.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when dining out:
- Low-fat dishes tend to be those that are steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached,
or roasted.
- Avoid foods that are fried, sautéed, basted, braised, or stuffed—they’re usually
high in fat. If you’re not sure, ask your server how the food is prepared.
- Most restaurants are happy to prepare foods to order. If you can’t find any lighter
choices on the menu, just ask.
- Keep sodium intake low by avoiding foods that are pickled or smoked, or are prepared
with cocktail sauce, broth, au jus, or soy or teriyaki sauce.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Certain genetic factors and some medicines such as Prilosec reduce the effect of PLAVIX leaving you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. Your doctor may use genetic tests to determine treatment. Don’t stop taking PLAVIX without talking to your doctor as your risk of heart attack or stroke may increase. People with stomach ulcers or conditions that cause bleeding should not use PLAVIX. Taking PLAVIX alone or with some other medicines, including aspirin, may increase bleeding risk which can potentially be life-threatening. So tell your doctor when planning surgery. Tell your doctor all medicines you take, including aspirin, especially if you’ve had a stroke. If fever, unexplained weakness or confusion develops, tell your doctor promptly. These may be signs of TTP, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, reported sometimes less than 2 weeks after starting PLAVIX.
Click here for US Full Prescribing Information Including BOXED WARNING
and Medication Guide
Remember, your doctor is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health or your medicine.
What to do next: Learn how exercise can help improve your cardiovascular health.