Every year, Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD) claims 66,000 lives in the UK and about 10 million in the world.

Chronic diseases that are related to poor intake of macro and micronutrients, cause 11 million completely preventable deaths every year. Out of these, more than 10 million deaths are due to Cardiovascular or Coronary conditions This is a staggering number and highlights the importance of proper nutrition in preventing chronic diseases. A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions. Then the question arises...

What is Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)?

Coronary Heart Disease is a leading cause of death and premature death and it occurs when a build-up of fatty material, known as atheroma, narrows the coronary arteries within their walls. In 2019 it was reported that CHD is the leading cause of death worldwide (British Heart Foundation, 2023).

Causes and Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) can be attributed to several factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high lipoprotein, lack of physical activity, diabetes, smoking, and being obese or overweight. Additionally, individuals with a family history of CHD are also at an increased risk (NHS, 2020a).

Treatment for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).

The best treatment to reduce to risk of Coronary Heart Disease is to change an individual’s lifestyle into a better and healthy one by including healthy food options (Dietary Plan), exercise on a regular basis to keep and maintain a healthy body along by putting an end to smoking as when a person smokes they inhale nicotine and carbon monoxide which makes put strain to heart and leading it to blood clots ultimately causing CHD and other health problems (NHS, 2020b).

Dietary Plan for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).

When it comes to dietary planning it is best to include and increase the intake of certain foods which are Low-Fat, and High-Fiber Options. Here are some nutritious and delicious foods you can add to your meals:

• Fresh fruits like apples, berries, and oranges
• Vegetables such as leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots
• Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread
• Lean proteins such as skinless poultry and fish (especially oily types like salmon and mackerel)
• Legumes like beans and lentils
• Good fats (unsaturated fats) like avocados, nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds), olive oil, canola oil, and other vegetable oils.
• Dairy products, including low-fat or fat-free options like yoghurt and milk.

There are certain food that is to be avoided while going through a diet to reduce CHD and those food items are as follows:

• Saturated fats: choose lean cuts of meat, skinless poultry, and plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh
• Salt: use herbs and spices instead of excessive salt for flavour
• Sugar: opt for fresh fruits to satisfy your sweet tooth and cut down on sugary snacks and desserts.

Checking the BMI or Body Mass Index will give a clear index of how much the body mass should be according to the height of each individual (NHS, 2020c).

Few Recommendations

When it comes to meals, it is recommended to have a lot of fat and high fibre diet in which along with brown rice or whole wheat bread one can try the below-mentioned food meals.

1. Chicken Casserole: This dish takes a bit of time to prepare however it is very suitable for Lunch or Dinner and it is packed with flavour also it is of low fat and high fibre.
2. Mutter Paneer: It is known that Mutter Paneer has high fiber content but has more fat than Chicken Casserole however if you want a vegan-friendly option this meal can be your best option.
3. Vegetable stew: This stew is very suitable for the diet as it contains a lot of vegetables and it is of high fibre and low fat.

In addition to these meals, it is also important to incorporate healthy snacks into your diet (Heart UK, 2023). opt for fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds instead of processed snacks that are high in sugar and fat. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy digestive system. By following a balanced and nutritious diet, you can improve your overall health and well-being.

If you are struggling to follow a diet but don't know where to start, look-out for food (or grocery) ordering apps that has a badge "Powered by Gaston". Gaston AI delivers highly personalised food recommendations that are based on users biological (and progressively genomic) profiles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains a significant public health concern, claiming a substantial number of lives annually in the UK. Addressing the root causes through lifestyle modifications is pivotal. Adopting a heart-healthy diet, rich in low-fat and high-fibre foods, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of CHD. Incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and good fats while avoiding saturated fats, excessive salt, and sugar contributes to overall cardiovascular health. The emphasis on regular exercise and quitting smoking further enhances preventive measures. It is essential to individualize dietary plans, and recipes like Chicken Casserole, Mutter Paneer, and Vegetable Stew offer delicious yet nutritious options. Ultimately, these efforts, coupled with medical guidance, empower individuals in the pursuit of a heart-conscious lifestyle, mitigating the impact of CHD.

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Reference List

British Heart Foundation, 2023. UK Factsheet, s.l.: British Heart Foundation.

Heart UK, 2023. Heart UK - The Cholesterol Charity. [Online] Available at: https://www.heartuk.org.uk/

NHS, 2020a. Coronary Heart Disease Causes. [Online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/causes/

NHS, 2020b. Coronary Heart Disease - Treatment. [Online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/treatment/

NHS, 2020c. Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease. [Online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/prevention/#:~:text=A%20low%2Dfat%2C%20high%2D,salt%20is%20about%201%20teaspoonful.

NHS, 2020. Overview of Coronoary Heart Disease. [Online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/#:~:text=Coronary%20heart%20disease%20is%20the,furred%20up%20with%20fatty%20deposits.