This narrowing occurs when waxy deposits called plaque form on the walls of the coronary arteries. When too much plaque builds up, it can close off a portion of or completely obstruct an artery. If an artery becomes totally blocked, a heart attack can occur. Fortunately, by reducing your intake of cholesterol and saturated fats, exercising regularly and eliminating risk factors such as smoking, you can reduce your chances of developing heart disease. Watch Out for Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Cholesterol and fat are the main components of plaque, therefore it's important to reduce your intake of foods containing these substances.
Cholesterol is found in animal products.
Eating more fruits and vegetables and complex carbohydrates such as grains, in addition to eating chicken and fish instead of red meat, will help you keep your cholesterol levels in the healthy range. Saturated fats are those fats that remain solid at room temperature. This type of fat is primarily found in meat and dairy products. Stay away from fatty cuts of meat, whole milk dairy products, butter, and palm and coconut oils. Trim all visible fat from meats before cooking, choose low-fat diary products and limit total fat intake to no more than 30 percent of your daily calories and limit saturated fat to no more than 10 percent of your total fat calories.