In the country, over 965,000 angioplasties are performed each year, and more than 276,000 TAVR procedures to treat issues like aortic regurgitation were performed between 2011 and 2019. A common reason for an increase in heart illnesses is unhealthy food choices. This includes excessive intake of foods containing salt, sugar, preservatives, and saturated fats. Additionally, certain ingredients and foods can worsen heart health and increase one’s risk of developing heart conditions.

Baked goods
Cakes and cookies are great for the taste buds but not necessarily for the heart. Baked goods are loaded with fats as well as sugar, which should be part of one’s meals in moderation. Further, excessive intake of saturated fats affects the body’s triglyceride levels and can also lead to overall increased cholesterol levels, which is a common risk factor for multiple heart conditions. Substituting problematic ingredients with healthier alternatives is a great way of including baked goods in meals without risking heart issues.

Candy
Candies can be one’s go-to to satisfy sugar cravings, however, they contain a lot of sugar and add to the fat content in the body. This can lead to an increased risk of heart blockages brought on by bad cholesterol. Excessive sugar intake on a regular basis might also be the reason for developing heart-related issues.

Ice cream
Ice creams are the perfect dessert on a summer day, but they are a concentrated source of fats, cholesterol, sugar, and empty calories. Such foods can also increase one’s risk of heart blockages, heart attacks, or cardiac arrest. So, for a healthy heart, it is important to make ice cream an occasional treat instead of having it every day. Further, desserts such as frozen fruit bars or unsweetened yogurt are healthier alternatives.

Processed meat
Curing, salting, and smoking are used to preserve meats and increase their shelf life. So, processed meat is loaded with preservatives, sodium, and saturated fats, all of which are not ideal for maintaining heart health. Further, processed meat can increase the risk of heart disease. Meat usually loses some of its nutritional value after being processed for preservation. One can opt for fresh meat or seafood as heart-friendly alternatives. The high sodium and nitrate content in processed meat might result in increased pressure on cardiac muscles and lead to aortic regurgitation in some cases.

Canned food
Fresh fruits and vegetables are great additions to meals, helping one meet their daily nutrient requirement. Alternatively, soups make for a great way of adding fiber to meals, especially when one does not enjoy eating fresh fruit and vegetables regularly. However, one should avoid canned soup, veggies, and fruits, as they can contain a lot of preservatives in the form of sodium and nitrates. Canned food is also rich in unhealthy fats and can contribute to the risk of developing conditions like heart attack and high blood cholesterol levels. Over time, excessive intake of such sugary and processed foods can result in heart blockages, usually detected through angiography. So, one should opt for fresh fruits and veggies and limit foods that contain sugar, preservatives, and sodium.