Which Medicines and Foods Should a Heart Patient Avoid?

Processed meats: These are meats treated by salting, curing, smoking or adding chemical preservatives. Examples include bacon, sausage, jerky, hot dogs and deli meat. 

Many processed meats and other foods high in saturated fat can raise LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels, which may increase the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries and other heart problems.

“People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other cardiovascular conditions may benefit from limiting processed meats and other highly processed foods,” Dr. Cork says. "Over time, regular consumption of these foods may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.”

Better choices:

• Skinless poultry
• Fish
• Beans
• Lentils
• Plant-based proteins 

Red meat: Though generally considered less harmful than processed meats, beef, lamb and other red meats can still be high in saturated fat, which may raise “bad” cholesterol. 

Healthier alternatives 

• Lean cuts of meat
• Chicken or turkey
• Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or sardines 

High-fat dairy products: Whole milk, butter, cream and full-fat cheeses are high in saturated fats, which may raise LDL cholesterol.

Better options:

• Low-fat or nonfat dairy products
• Olive oil-based spreads 
• Unsweetened plant-based milk alternatives 

Avoid nondairy creamers with hydrogenated oils or added sugars. 

Refined grains and sugary foods: White rice, white bread, pastries and sugary cereals are refined carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar and contribute to excess abdominal fat, which is associated with heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. 

Better choices: 

• Oats
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Whole wheat bread and pasta 

Fried foods: French fries, fried chicken, onion rings and other deep-fried foods are often high in saturated fat, calories and sodium. 

Some fried and processed foods may contain trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils. These can raise LDL cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

Healthier alternative: Air frying or baking can provide similar texture and flavor with less fat.

Packaged meals and snacks: Frozen dinners, chips, crackers, cookies and packaged desserts can all be high in sodium, added sugars and preservatives.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Too much sodium may worsen high blood pressure and conditions, such as heart failure. For most adults, the ideal limit is 1,500 milligrams per day, especially for people with high blood pressure or certain heart conditions.

Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol may increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, irregular heart rhythms and liver disease. Alcohol can also interact with some heart medications, so ask your doctor how much, if any, is safe for your condition. 

Energy drinks and excess caffeine: These drinks and high-caffeine supplements may increase: 

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Symptomatic palpitations
• Risk of cardiac arrhythmia 

Heart patients should speak with their doctors before consuming: 

• Energy drinks
• Pre-workout supplements
• Large amounts of caffeine 

“You can still enjoy a variety of foods, including snacks, but moderation is very important,” Dr. Cork says. “Focusing on whole, minimally processed foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, can help lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems."

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Both can change how the body breaks down some heart medicines. This can raise medicine levels and increase the risk of side effects.

Medications that may interact with grapefruit include:  

• Some statins
• Calcium channel blockers 
• Antiarrhythmic medications   

Always ask your doctor or pharmacist whether grapefruit is safe with your medications.  

Herbal supplements: They can interact with heart medications. They may include:

• St. John’s Wort
• Ginseng
• Ginkgo biloba
• Ephedra-containing supplements

Some drugs sold over the counter may be safe for most people but can be risky for heart patients. Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following: 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs are medications commonly used to reduce pain, inflammation and fever. They include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve) 
• High-dose aspirin 

These medications may raise blood pressure, cause fluid retention, increase bleeding risk or interfere with blood thinners.

Some heart patients may be prescribed low-dose aspirin as part of their treatment plan. Aspirin should only be taken as directed by your doctor.

For pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be a safer option for some patients but always check with your doctor first. 

Cold and cough medicines with decongestants: Some decongestants can raise blood pressure and heart rate or interact with heart medications, especially in people with high blood pressure or heart disease. Many combination cold medicines also contain NSAIDs.  

Always read labels carefully before using over-the-counter cold medicines. 

Certain antibiotics: They may affect the heart’s electrical system and increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Talk to your doctor before starting a new antibiotic. 

Antihistamines and allergy medicines: Some allergy medicines, especially combination products containing decongestants, may raise blood pressure or interact with heart medications.  

Before starting any new medication or supplement, tell your doctor about your heart condition. Tell your doctor which medications and supplements you take.

“If a doctor other than your cardiologist recommends a new medication, make sure they know about your heart condition and current treatment plan,” says Dr. Cork. “If you’re not certain whether a medication or supplement is safe, consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.”