What is an important dietary consideration for individuals with heart disease?

Increasing fiber intake is crucial for individuals with heart disease because dietary fiber plays a significant role in heart health. High fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help reduce cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for preventing and managing heart disease. Fiber helps to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, thus contributing to a healthier lipid profile.

Additionally, fiber promotes satiety, which can aid in weight management—an important factor in heart disease prevention and management. Increased fiber consumption is also associated with improved blood sugar control, which can protect against risks associated with diabetes and, consequently, heart disease.

In contrast, increasing saturated fat intake is generally linked to higher cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease, while decreasing potassium intake is not advisable since potassium is essential for heart function and helps regulate blood pressure. Decreasing protein intake lacks specific relevance to heart health, especially when considering protein sources that are heart-friendly, such as lean meats, fish, beans, and nuts.