Diet and Food Guidance for Heart Attack

During a suspected heart attack, do not eat or drink while waiting. Call 112 or 102 first.

Diet does not treat a heart attack, but it is one of the most important parts of preventing another. Follow your cardiologist's or dietitian's advice.

Heart-healthy eating after a heart attack

• Vegetables, fruit and whole grains such as oats, millets, brown rice and whole wheat
• Pulses, beans and lentils as a main protein source
• Nuts and seeds in small portions
• Fish twice a week if you eat it
• Low-fat dairy
• Healthy oils such as mustard, groundnut or olive oil, used in small amounts

Limit or avoid

• Salt: aim for under 5 grams a day, which means less pickle, papad, chips and processed foods.
• Saturated and trans fats: ghee in large amounts, vanaspati, deep-fried snacks, bakery items and fatty meat.
• Sugar and refined flour: sweets, sweetened drinks and white bread.
• Alcohol: avoid it or keep it very low as advised.
• Tobacco: stop all forms.

Practical points

• Eat smaller, regular meals and avoid very heavy dinners.
• Read food labels for salt and fat.
• If you have diabetes, kidney disease or heart failure, your diet plan will differ, and fluid limits may apply.
• Do not take supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E or herbal products without asking your doctor.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda advises light, freshly cooked food and moderation. This matches the general principle, but is not a replacement for a cardiac diet plan.

Key point

A steady, low-salt, low-fat, high-fibre diet is a cornerstone of recovery.

Before your appointment

Bring all your reports, ECGs and medicine strips, and a list of every medicine and supplement you take, including herbal products. Note when symptoms occurred, what brought them on and how long they lasted. Share your family history of heart disease, and your smoking, alcohol, diabetes and blood pressure history. Ask about cardiac rehabilitation and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.