Food 9: High Cholesterol Foods
In the context of heart health, cholesterol often gets a bad rap. While our bodies need cholesterol for essential functions like hormone production and cell membrane formation, too much of it, particularly the “bad” LDL cholesterol, can lead to heart problems.
Foods high in LDL cholesterol, such as red meat, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods, can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This buildup, known as atherosclerosis, can narrow the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
For individuals with afib, the impact of high cholesterol goes beyond these direct effects on the heart. High cholesterol can also lead to high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for afib. As the heart works harder to pump blood through narrowed arteries, the increased strain can trigger irregular heartbeats.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Making dietary changes, like reducing the intake of high-cholesterol foods and increasing the consumption of foods high in “good” HDL cholesterol (like oily fish, nuts, and seeds), can help manage cholesterol levels. (8)
