India Health & Wellness blog

Cardiac patients should be careful about diet, say docs

13th December, 2009 - Posted by admin -

LUDHIANA: As the mercury dips, making weak hearts even more vulnerable to disorders, it is time for cardiac patients to spend more time indoors

and cut down on exposure to cold. What to eat is important- in case of cardiac patients, eating just the right kind of foods makes the heart healthier.

The main problem faced by cardiac patients in winters is greater probability of increased blood pressure level, that is one of the causes of heart attacks, said Dr RP Singh, senior cardiologist, Apollo Hospital.

Low temperature is a major cause of spasm in arteries that carry blood to the heart, thus forcing it to pump more blood, raising blood pressure levels and increasing probability of heart attacks.

Singh said winters see an increase in consumption of oily food, which worsens the problem, so patients should be careful about their dietary habits.

He added that those suffering from cardiac disorders should consume more vegetables and less oil.

For those who are non-vegetarian, fish is recommended while alcohol intake, in case of men, should be limited to 60 mL.

Dr Harinder Bedi, head of cardiac surgery at Christian Medical College and Hospital, feels diet does play a key role and the cardiac patient should keep the cholesterol level in mind.

Bedi explained that a handful of walnuts are advised for cardiac patients with normal cholesterol level and weight. He added that cashewnuts should be avoided as they contain a high amount of fats.