What reasons can you think of that might make someone think it’s
too late to start a heart healthy diet? “I already have heart
disease. Diet can’t change that.” “I don’t need to eat heart
healthy foods because my cholesterol and blood pressure lowering
meds take care of that.” “I’ve been eating a certain way my
whole life; I don’t want to change my habits and even if I did,
it’s too hard to eat heart healthy.” Well…good news! Studies
show that it’s never too late to start a heart healthy diet.
Older people with established heart disease who eat a heart-
healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts can
significantly lower their risk of dying from a cardiac event.
Patients, and even a few physicians, think if medications are
effectively lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, there is no
need to modify diet. Or they may recommend the old standard
“everything in moderation.” Not enough emphasis is made on the
impact that a heart healthy diet—which is mostly plant-based—can
have on reducing risk for he