| Some 7 million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease (CHD), the most common form of heart
disease. This type of heart disease is caused by the narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart. A heart attack or
coronary incident occurs when the narrowing is so great that it cannot supply
enough blood to the heart, the result is CHD. It may or may not be associated
with pain in the chest, left shoulder or arm (angina). At times,
there may be no symptoms at all. When the blood supply is cut off
completely, a heart attack occurs. The heart muscle may be permanently
damaged.
Your lipid (fat) levels in your blood determine risk factors for
CHD.
| Total
Cholesterol |
|---|
| Desirable | less than 200 mg/dl |
|---|
| Borderline High |
200 -- 239 mg/dl |
|---|
| High Risk | 240 mg/dl and above |
|---|
| HDL - Cholesterol (lowers risk for CHD) |
|---|
| Desirable |
60 mg/dl and above |
|---|
| Moderate
risk | 45-55 mg/dl |
|---|
| High Risk |
less
than 40 mg/dl |
|---|
| LDL -
Cholesterol (increases risk for CHD) |
|---|
| Desirable |
100 mg/dl or less |
|---|
| Borderline
high |
130-159 mg/dl |
|---|
| High
Risk | 160-189
mg/dl |
|---|
| Very High Risk | 190 and
above mg/dl |
|---|
| Triglycerides
(increases risk for CHD and diabetes) |
|---|
| Desirable |
less
than 150 mg/d |
|---|
| Borderline
high |
150-199 mg/dl |
|---|
| High
Risk |
200-499
mg/dl |
|---|
| Very High Risk |
500 and
above mg/dl |
|---|
People at risk are advised to stick to a diet low in fat and
cholesterol. This along with cardio
exercise can reduce your risk of CHD and even reverse CHD. Your diet
has a major impact on the health of your cardiovascular system.
Healthy food habits can assist you in the reduction of three major
risk factors for heart attack- high blood cholesterol, high blood
pressure (Hypertension) and excessive body weight. By following an
eating plan recommended by the American Heart Association, you can
lower your risk for heart disease as well as your risk for Type 2
diabetes and for some kinds of cancer.
Changing your eating habits to decrease risk for CHD
requires a life-style change. For many people, this can be an
overwhelming endeavor and a very confusing one. At Medical Nutrition Network,
we are professionally trained to guide you in making the changes that
can affect your health. We will tailor a food plan for you that fits your
lifestyle, without causing you feelings of deprivation. Eating right does not mean
not enjoying food. Medical Nutrition Network can provide what is needed to
make the transition into healthy eating a pleasant one. Food plans,
menus, recipes and assertive training in dining out and travel are
just a part of the services available to you. Let our experts be your
guide and support system.
|
