Coronary heart disease is a serious disease which can lead to heart attack or heart failure. It is caused by the narrowing of the arteries that bring oxygenated blood to the heart. These passages narrowed due to deposits of fat and cholesterol on the inner walls of the arteries. If the passageways become entirely clogged, a heart attack may occur. One treatment for lessening your chances of accumulating fat and cholesterol in your heart is to change your diet.

Diet and coronary heart disease are closely related. It is important to focus on what foods you can add to your diet that will lower your overall cholesterol and restrict the unhealthy fats that will clog your arteries. The American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic are two great resources for finding specific dietary advice that will help you to be healthier and avoid heart disease. One basic rule to follow that will improve your diet is to make vegetables and grains the main portion of your meal. Eating more vegetables and grains, rather than having meat as the central part of the dish will make your meal more heart healthy. Also limit the amount of oil and fatty dairy products you consume. Try out low-fat yogurt and milk and consider trying out soy products . These products are healthier alternatives and will often taste just as good. Beans are also a good addition that you can make to meals, as they have been proven to reduce cholesterol levels.

If you are concerned about how to work these dietary restrictions and additions into your daily life, there are many resources which may help you. Websites that list recipes are often searchable and can filter out heart healthy content. Experiment with small substitutions, such as using olive oil or canola oil in your cooking, rather than corn or peanut oil. Some studies suggest that cooking with garlic and eating one or two servings of fish per week can help people with coronary heart disease. Always consult a doctor before making significant changes in your diet. If you are concerned that your symptoms are increasing rather than decreasing, seek professional help. Even if you do not believe that you are at risk from coronary heart disease, your health will benefit from a heart conscious diet. Regular exercise is also a significant factor in maintaining a healthy heart.