If you have experienced a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty or heart surgery, cardiac rehab can offer many positive benefits. This week marks Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, an effort dedicated to drawing attention to the role of cardiac rehabilitation in reducing the potentially devastating effects of heart disease.

In the United States, heart disease is the cause of one in every four deaths.  The good news is that you can take active steps to reduce your risks of developing heart disease by eating a heart-healthy diet and making a few other lifestyle adjustments.

Ohio Living is committed to offering healthy choices to our residents. We believe a heart-healthy diet is not only good for physical health and wellbeing, but also, it is often an important tool for helping residents meet their personal health goals. It is a part of our continued commitment to help our residents, staff members, friends and family in our community enjoy successful living at every stage.

The following healthy foods are not only delicious, but also very good for your heart. It’s important to incorporate these foods, and others like them, into your diet whenever possible.

Salmon

In fact, any fatty fish will do! It’s the omega-3 fatty acids in the salmon that make it such a heart-healthy food. These fatty acids help to reduce inflammation, boost circulation and limit the risks of developing blood clots that often cause heart attacks and strokes. Mackerel, herring, tuna, trout and sardines are other excellent choices.

Raspberries

If you want a food that's packed with antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and soluble fiber, look no further than raspberries. If you’re not fond of them alone, try adding them to Greek yogurt or whole grain cereal. Blueberries, cranberries and strawberries are also beneficial.

Walnuts

According to Healthy Diet Base, eating as little as five ounces of walnuts (35 shelled) per week can reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 50 percent. Why are walnuts so amazing? They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help to lower the body’s level of triglycerides, while at the same time boosting good cholesterol. Other healthy nut choices include almonds and cashews.

The combination of an active lifestyle with a diet rich in heart-healthy foods is a powerful way that people of all risk groups can win the war against heart disease.