Heart attack often seem sudden, but the truth is they are usually the result of slow, silent damage building up over years. Poor diet and lifestyle choices can trigger inflammation, insulin resistance and arterial damage, increasing the risk over time. While the signs may not be obvious, small daily habits can have a huge impact on long-term heart health.
Dr Brijmohan Arora, a diabetologist with over 24 years of experience in Dwarka, New Delhi, has highlighted five common foods that can silently increase your risk of a heart attack.
In a recent Instagram video, he warned, “These five mistakes silently damage your heart from within, and symptoms often appear only at the time of a heart attack.”
Heart Attack Risks: 5 Foods To Avoid
Here are the top five foods Dr Arora says people should limit or avoid to protect heart health:
- Seed oils – Refined oils like mustard and sunflower oil can increase oxidative stress, which harms the heart and blood vessels. He recommends using traditional fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil or peanut oil in moderation.
- Packaged and processed foods – Chips, biscuits and ready-to-eat snacks spike blood sugar and insulin, causing inflammation and storing excess fat around organs. This promotes arterial damage and increases heart disease risk.
- Sugary drinks – Fizzy drinks, juices and energy drinks rapidly raise blood sugar and insulin, lower good cholesterol (HDL), and increase triglycerides. Over time, this can seriously damage the heart.
- Refined grains – Foods like pasta, noodles and white bread can worsen insulin resistance and inflammation. Frequent consumption puts extra strain on the cardiovascular system.
- Processed meats – Sausages, salami and packaged chicken contain high levels of sodium, nitrates, and preservatives. Regular intake can compromise heart function and overall metabolic health.
Why Diet Matters More Than Supplements
Dr Arora warns that no supplement can reverse the harm caused by an unhealthy diet. Studies show these five food choices are major contributors to heart attacks, and taking supplements won’t protect your heart if you keep eating them.
By making small but consistent changes like choosing healthier oils, cutting back on sugary drinks and limiting processed foods, you can reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of a heart attack
