Diet (if a previous myocardial infarction (MI))

• NICE have suggested various dietary changes if a patient has suffered a myocardial infarction previously (1):
  • patients are:
    • advised not to take supplements containing beta-carotene, and should not be advised to take antioxidant supplements (vitamin E and/or C) or folic acid to reduce cardiovascular risk
    • advised to consume at least 7 g of omega 3 fatty acids per week from two to four portions of oily fish
    • advised to eat a Mediterranean-style diet (more bread, fruit, vegetables and fish; less meat; and replace butter and cheese with products based on vegetable and plant oils)
  • do not offer or advise people to use the following to prevent another MI:
    • omega-3 fatty acid capsules
    • omega-3 fatty acid supplemented foods
      
      
• NICE state that (2):
  • people at high risk of or with CVD should be advised to eat a diet in which total fat intake is 30% or less of total energy intake, saturated fats are 10% or less of total energy intake, intake of dietary cholesterol is less than 300 mg/day and where possible saturated fats are replaced by monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
  • people at high risk of or with CVD should be advised to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, in line with national guidance for the general population. Examples of what constitutes a portion can be found at www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet
  • people at high risk of or with CVD should be advised to consume at least two portions of fish per week, including a portion of oily fish
  • pregnant women should be advised to limit their oily fish to no more than two portions per week
  • people should not routinely be recommended to take omega-3 fatty acid supplements for the primary prevention of CVD

Reference:

• (1) NICE (2013). Secondary prevention in primary and secondary care for patients following a myocardial infarction
• (2) NICE (May 2008).Lipid modification - Cardiovascular risk assessment and the modification of blood lipids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease