Texas A&M University (TAMU) NUTR222 Nutrition for Health and Health Care Exam 4 Practice

A dietary restriction that is recommended for individuals who have experienced a heart attack focuses on reducing sodium intake. Lowering sodium helps to manage blood pressure, which is critical for heart health, especially after a cardiac event. High sodium diets can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure, both of which put additional strain on the heart. By limiting sodium, individuals can help reduce the risk of further complications and support overall cardiovascular function.

While high fiber intake is generally beneficial for heart health, especially in terms of improving cholesterol levels and promoting heart-friendly eating habits, it is not as specifically crucial as sodium reduction following a heart attack. Protein needs may also be maintained or adjusted depending on individual recovery requirements, and a high-sugar diet is generally discouraged for its negative impacts on heart health. Therefore, focusing on a low sodium intake is a targeted recommendation for recovery and reducing the risk of subsequent heart issues.