Diet is an important part of managing coronary heart disease. Balancing your eating with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats is key.

Coronary heart disease occurs when your heart’s major blood vessels become damaged or diseased. These blood vessels or arteries narrow or harden due to a buildup of plaque, a type of fatty deposit.

Coronary heart disease can gradually get worse. A buildup of plaque in your arteries can reduce blood flow to your heart, causing symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.

There’s no cure for this disease, but managing the condition and improving the quality of your life is possible. Proper nutrition is one way to manage symptoms. This includes eating certain types of foods while avoiding others.

In addition to medication, changes to your diet can lead to better outcomes. Try to include the following in your diet:

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables (fresh or frozen) can improve overall heart health and help prevent a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest.

Fruits and vegetables both contain a healthy amount of vitamins and nutrients, contributing to heart health. Plus, these foods are low in calories, which can help you maintain a healthy weight. Since they’re also a great source of fiber, fruits and vegetables help lower cholesterol levels and protect the heart.

Eat a wide variety of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, but berries, avocados, and tomatoes are especially good for your heart.

Additionally, only eat non-fresh fruits that are packed in juice or water. Avoid those packed in heavy syrup, which contains more sugar and has a higher calorie count.

Adult men and women should eat 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily.

Whole grains

Eating whole grains can also contribute to heart health and reduce the negative impacts of coronary heart disease. Like fruits and vegetables, whole grains are nutrient-dense and an excellent source of fiber. Because of this, they can help regulate your cholesterol level and blood pressure.

Good choices include:

  • 100 percent whole grain breads
  • quinoa
  • brown rice
  • whole grain pasta
  • oatmeal

However, there are grains to limit or avoid, including white bread, frozen waffles, donuts, biscuits, egg noodles, and cornbread.

Healthy fats

If you have coronary heart disease, you might think that all fats are off-limits. But not all fat is bad.

The truth is that eating healthy fats in moderation can be good for heart health. Healthy fats can lower cholesterol and protect against heart attacks and stroke.

These include monosaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. They’re found in:

  • olive oil
  • salmon
  • eggs
  • avocados
  • nuts and seeds
  • yogurt

Lean protein

Eating protein also contributes to your overall health. However, be selective and choose proteins that are low in fat.

Healthy options include fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These include salmon, herring, and other cold-water fish.

Other healthy sources of protein include:

  • legumes
  • eggs
  • tofu
  • lean ground meats
  • cottage cheese
  • skinless poultry

Managing your cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight is important if you have coronary heart disease. Taking these measures can also improve your overall health.

To achieve this, avoid high fat and high sodium foods. High-fat foods to avoid include:

  • butter
  • gravy
  • non-dairy creamers
  • fried foods
  • processed meats
  • pastries
  • certain cuts of meat
  • junk foods, like potato chips, cookies, pies, and ice cream

Many of the above are also high in sodium, which can worsen coronary heart disease by contributing to high blood pressure. Other high sodium foods to avoid include:

  • condiments like mayonnaise and ketchup
  • table salt
  • packaged meals
  • restaurant menu items

Here are a few tips to improve your diet when living with coronary heart disease:

  • Keep fruit and vegetables readily available: Keep fresh fruits and vegetables ready for consumption in your fridge. Slice them ahead of time for a quick snack in between meals.
  • Reduce food portions: Reducing your food portions can help you consume fewer calories, fat, and sodium.
  • Cook with herbs: Instead of seasoning your food with table salt, experiment with different types of herbs, spices, and salt-free seasoning blends. When buying canned goods and condiments, look for low-salt or reduced-salt alternatives.
  • Read food labels: Get into a routine of reading food labels to avoid consuming too much fat and sodium.

There’s no cure for coronary heart disease, but dietary modifications can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and improve your overall health. As a result, you can reduce your risk of complications like heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest.