Why is fatty food harmful to the heart and blood vessels? A cardiologist tells us

Why is fatty food harmful to the heart and blood vessels? A cardiologist tells us

A list of the most harmful products that it is better to exclude from the diet. And on New Year’s Eve in particular.

New Year’s tables are traditionally bursting with fatty and caloric dishes. Fats themselves are very useful, but it’s all about their quantity and quality.

Candidate of Medical Sciences, member of the Asute Cardiovascular Care Association, cardiologist at JSC Medicine

I’ll tell you about how fatty foods affect vascular and heart function.

Fats are an important component of the diet and a major source of energy. Unsaturated are considered the most useful: they contain elements that allow glucose to be absorbed faster, which prevents the development of diabetes and metabolic syndrome (metabolic disorder).

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood and prevent cholesterol plaques from settling on the walls of blood vessels. In addition, it reduces the risk of breast cancer and strengthens the immune system.

The main source of unsaturated fats are considered fish, vegetables, nuts, seeds. Also a lot of useful in olive, sunflower and peanut oils, avocado.

Saturated fats are found in red meat, poultry, lard, dairy products, cheese, coconut and butter. Their use is acceptable, but in moderate amounts.

The fact is that such substances accumulate in the body and increase the total cholesterol level. The risk of coronary heart disease increases.

Trans fats are the most unhelpful elements that are found in the following products:

• cookies;
• cakes;
• pizza;
• mayonnaise;
• chips;
• sausages;
• French fries and other deep-fried foods.

They increase the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, which leads to the formation of cholesterol plaques that can stick to the walls of arteries and blood vessels. Such deposits narrow the lumen of the latter, which slows down blood flow.

There are other complications:

• fat is deposited on internal organs, visceral fat (excess intra-abdominal fatty tissue) appears, including on the heart, which negatively affects its work;
• the heart works in the mode of increased load, which leads to its premature wear and tear.

• The brain is not getting enough oxygen to the brain.
• The rupture of cholesterol plaques can lead to thrombosis.

If you have already experienced heart problems, be sure to consult your doctor: he will help you form new eating habits, recommend a corrective diet.