Heart problem calls for low-fat diet

January 28th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT: I lost my father 25 years ago due to heart blockages. At that time I became determined not to let that happen to me. I went on a vegetarian diet, avoided fat and ate a lot of carbohydrates. I cut out trans-fats, read labels and tried to always eat well. A few years ago I started adding some meat back into my diet, but still being very careful of what I ate. My weight has always been a bit of a problem but with a lot of effort I’ve managing to keep it in line. I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both managed with medication. Now at 70 I’ve been diagnosed with heart blockages and am facing bypass surgery.

I was recently given a book, “The Schwarzbein Principle”. Dr. Schwarzbein indicates that my diet is bad. She says we need more natural fat in our diets and even advocates eating eggs daily. Real butter and cream are also staples with her plan. She considers a balanced meal to contain a fat, a protein, a limited amount of carbohydrates and a non-starchy vegetable. According to her principle, cutting fat and over-eating carbohydrates could possibly be the reason for my health problems.

I’d appreciate your opinion, as I fear the cardiologist is going to want me to stay on a diet similar to what I’ve been on. Is it possible my diet is the cause of my health problems?

DEAR READER: I am not familiar with the book you mention but I am surprised that the author urges a high-fat, high cholesterol diet. In my opinion, this is exactly what you DON’T need.

You apparently have inherited some unfortunate genes from your father. Although you can do nothing correct the genetic pattern, I am sure that most cardiologists would approach the problem by making sure your cholesterol level is low (150 or less) and that you have minimized your cardiac risk by stopping smoking, for example. Your current diet is not the cause coronary blockages. I cannot comment on whether or not you need bypass surgery; that decision is one you’ll have to make in consultation with your cardiologist.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Coronary Artery Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.