Cholesterol being waxy in nature doesn’t dissolve in the blood. So to be transported in the bloodstream, it is divided into two forms known as LDL (low-density lipids) and HDL (High- Density lipids). LDL is known as Bad cholesterol and HDL as good cholesterol.

As cholesterol is produced by our own body, thus we do not require it from an outside source. The outside source like trans fat, saturated fats, a diet rich in cholesterol only increases the cholesterol level and trigger the body to produce more which is very much harmful to the Heart or coronary arteries.

Foods that are low in saturated fat and free of cholesterol can help in lowering blood cholesterol level. And these include plants that are rich in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol by lowering the absorption of cholesterol and reduces the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. Oatmeal, barley, beans, nuts, and some fruits and vegetables are all good sources of soluble fiber.

There are many studies through which it is found that vegetarian diet holders as compared to non-vegetarian are less prone to heart diseases. It is recommended to adopt a low-fat, plant-based diet, get daily exercise, avoid tobacco, and manage stress to reverse the chance of heart disease.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general heart health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your cardiologist or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Angioplasty is a procedure in which catheter is threaded through the coronary arteries and passed through the area of blockage. A balloon is then passed over it and inflated at an extremely high pressure to push the blockage to the wall of the artery.

One of the benefit of angioplasty is that the person can be discharged quicker (the next day or the day after that), and can start walking almost immediately after the procedure. After angioplasty, it is important to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and to enroll in cardiac rehabilitation. There are some tips given by Dr. Dinesh Sehgal, the leading cardiologist of Sapra Multispeciality Hospital, Hisar. He said  that a person should follow these steps after angioplasty to keep heart healthy.

•    Once the patient return home they can begin a walking program as described

Week                                    Duration (mins)                                Times per day

1                                              5-10                                                       3-4

2                                              10-15                                                     3-4

3                                              20-30                                                     2

4                                              30-45                                                     1

• There can be individual variations in diet, but in general 50-60% calories come from carbs (peas, beans, whole grains, and vegetables); 20-30% from fats (fatty beef, lamb, pork, poultry with skin, beef fat,  butter, cheese and dairy foods); and 15-20% from proteins (fish, beans, poultry, nuts, and low-fat dairy)

•  Meal should contain one portion of protein, two portion of grains and three portions of vegetables.

• Avoid consumption of margarine, oily or fried foods, red meat, sweets preparations like cakes, pastries, and carbonated drinks.

• Foods high in magnesium like such as broccoli, potatoes, spinach, and wheat germ should be taken to keep heart healthy.

• Include fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables in a day’s diet.

• Decrease salt and sugar intake, and keep a check on blood sugar and blood pressure value.

• Stop smoking and decrease intake of alcohol

• After angioplasty, one can resume driving and get back to work within a week, provided there were no complications after the procedure, and one has not had a recent attack.
• Continue your medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before starting/initiating any of the activity