Diet after angioplasty

An angioplasty requires major lifestyle changes. Whatever the reason for an angioplasty may be, it includes the removal of blockages in the arteries. To maintain a healthy lifestyle so that there is no reappearance of artery blockages, you will need to maintain an exercise schedule and follow a well balanced diet after angioplasty. To understand your dietary needs after an angioplasty, book an doctor consultation with a doctor at the earliest.

Generally, after an angioplasty, a patient experiences a loss in appetite. Hence a diet after angioplasty must entail nourishing and nutrient-rich food at the right time. More often than not, after your online consultation with a doctor, the doctor will recommend a diet with heart-protective nutrients such as antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and dietary fibres. Summing it up, your diet after angioplasty is prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels and to avoid building plaque that causes blockage in arteries. Some foods that will help you in your effort are:

Healthy fats: Healthy fats may sound as an oxymoron but such types of food do exist in the world. Healthy fats usually comprise unsaturated fats such as omega 3 fatty acids that are present in fish such as herring, mackerel, lake trout, sardines and salmon. Some more sources of healthy fats are ghee or clarified butter.

Vegetables and fruits: Including fruits and vegetables in your diet makes sure to keep your heart hale and healthy. Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of soluble fibre that reduces cholesterol. Fruits (melons, apples, pears, berries, oranges and sweet lime) and vegetables (carrots and broccoli) provide the body with necessary minerals, vitamins and fibre. Fruits and vegetables also boost energy levels while keeping calorie intake low.

Heart healthy oils: Including vegetable-based oils such as olive oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil, peanut oil and sunflower oil, canola oil and mustard oil in diets helps angioplasty patients as these oils contain unsaturated fats. These oils act as natural lubricants for the joints and build essential components for your body.

Whole grains: Whole grains help in controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Whole grains such as oats, barley, plain popcorn, quinoa, corn and brown rice should be included in a diet after angioplasty.

Nuts and seeds: These types of foods are heart-healthy snacks and rich in nutrients. One can include nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pecans, walnuts and pistachios.

Sprouts and legumes: Low-fat protein rich sprouts and legumes such as peas, lentils and beans are foods that one must include in their diet after an angioplasty.