Sneaky Diet Triggers of Heart Disease

Heart disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can have various causes, including genetics, lifestyle, and diet. At Echomed, we understand the importance of identifying and managing risk factors for heart disease, including the ones that are often overlooked.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the sneaky diet triggers that can increase your risk of developing heart disease. By recognizing these triggers and taking steps to avoid them, you can reduce your chances of developing this life-threatening condition.

At Echomed, we specialise in echocardiograms, which can help detect heart disease in its early stages. By partnering with us, you can take a proactive approach to managing your heart health and reducing your risk of heart disease.

Avoid ‘Bad’ Fats

Maintaining a healthy heart is important for all of us. But what should we be looking out for on the food labels? In order to ensure that our hearts stay healthy and strong, it’s important to avoid any foods that have the words ‘trans,’ ‘hydrogenated,’ or ‘partially hydrogenated’ on the label. 

These types of fats are not beneficial to our health as they can raise bad cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Trans fats also make it more difficult for your body to absorb good antioxidants from other foods, making them even more detrimental to your heart health. 

By avoiding these unhealthy trans fats, you’ll be sure to protect yourself from any potential harm related to their consumption. To further protect yourself, you can book in for a heart scan and ensure that you stay up to date with your heart’s health. If you are wondering what the cost of a heart scan is, at Echomed we offer different packages, starting from £325 for an Echocardiogram.

Processed Meats

Processed meats have long been a part of the human diet, but are they really good for our hearts? Many have grown up with these salty, preserved products as regular meals. But recent research suggests that eating processed meats can increase one’s risk of cardiovascular disease – and even mortality. 

A 2019 study published in the “European Heart Journal” looked at the relationship between eating processed meat and the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study involved a large group of 134,297 people from 21 countries and followed them for an average of 9.5 years.

The results showed that people who ate more than 160g of processed meat per day had a 44% higher risk of heart disease compared to those who ate less than 20g per day. The study also found that those who ate more processed meat had a 72% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

While the study cannot prove causation, only correlation, it does provide strong evidence that eating processed meat is linked to heart-related issues. The findings are consistent with previous research and suggest that reducing processed meat intake may be beneficial for heart health.

Increased Caffeine Intake

Caffeine is a popular and widely-consumed stimulant, found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other foods. Many of us rely on caffeine to wake up in the morning or to power through our day. But can caffeine consumption lead to heart disease? 

Research has shown that consuming too much caffeine can cause some cardiovascular issues such as increased blood pressure and elevated heart rate. It’s important for people to be mindful of their daily consumption so that they do not exceed recommended levels. A moderate amount of caffeine per day – around 200 mg – is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. However, it may be wise for people with existing heart conditions or high blood pressure to talk to their doctor before increasing their intake.

Echomed – What Is The Cost Of A Heart Scan

Echomed offers a variety of different services to ensure that you can stay ahead and understand your heart. Echocardiograms start from £325, however our range of services allow you to see in depth into the overall health of your heart. For more information on pricing and options, get in touch today.