Nutrition after a heart attack and stent placement

As stated by Puls Cardiology Center in their article "Kako bi trebalo da izgleda ishrana posle infarkta i ugradnje stenta?", diet after stent implantation plays a key role in the recovery of the heart muscle.

Dr Goran Popović, a cardiologist, provides a few key tips in his article to reduce the chances of another heart attack:

1. Lower cholesterol levels in the blood and blood pressure;
2. Contribute to feeling healthier and more energetic;
3. Regulate weight if necessary;
4. Reduce the chances or improve control over the level of blood sugar.

What is advisable to introduce into the diet? 

1. Vegetables and grains - Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, but also grains such as brown rice, whole grain bread, and cereals.
2. Proteins - Include diverse proteins in your diet such as eggs, lean chicken, turkey, fish and seafood, legumes (beans and lentils).
3. Dairy products - Consume partially skimmed milk, yogurt, and cheese.
4. Fats - Consume healthy fats such as olives, avocados, nuts, seeds, and cooking oils made from these ingredients. Spices instead of salt - Instead of salt, you can add a variety of herbs and spices. 

Include in your diet foods rich in antioxidants

1. Vitamin C - found in peppers, broccoli, oranges, lemons, kiwi, strawberries...
2. Vitamin E - found in sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds...
3. Lycopene - found in tomatoes, watermelon, carrots, mango...
4. Beta-carotene - found in carrots, green leafy vegetables, red bell peppers, apricots...
5. Selenium - found in fish, seafood, and red meat.
6. Omega-3 fatty acids - found in tuna, salmon, herring, and flaxseed.

What is not allowed in diet? 

1. Pastries, cakes, muffins, cookies, ice cream, milk chocolate...
2. Processed meat, such as ham, sausages, hot dogs, as well as canned and fast food, snacks, industrial sauces...
3. Refined oils, margarine and other dairy products
4. Fried, breaded and fatty foods
5. Carbonated, sweetened drinks
6. Alcohol. 

Reference:

Cicović, Aleksandar. 2022. https://pulskardioloskicentar.rs/en/nutrition-after-a-heart-attack-and-stent-implantation/

Stanković, Ivan, Ivanka Miletić i Brižita Đorđević, 2008. Hrana i dijetetski proizvodi i ishemijska bolest srca, Arh.farm 2008;58: 443 – 453, Institut za bromatologiju, Farmaceutski fakultet Beograd, https://farfar.pharmacy.bg.ac.rs/bitstream/handle/123456789/1135/1133.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Nikolić, Maja, 2011, Značaj ishrane u sekundarnoj prevenciji i rehabilitaciji koronarne bolesti, Srce i krvni sudovi 30(4): 206-209, https://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/1821-4835/2011/1821-48351104206N.pdf

*This text is intended solely for informational purposes. In case of any symptoms, it is recommended to seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from the website: https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-red-cherries-on-white-bowl-nTZOILVZuOg*