Licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, Dr. Gregory Sampognaro possesses an MD and American Board of Internal Medicine board certifications in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular diseases. As a cardiologist with Affinity Health Group in Louisiana, Dr. Gregory Sampognaro leverages his MD to deliver preventative, diagnostic, and rehabilitative care for cardiovascular conditions. He also educates patients on the guidelines of a heart-healthy diet.
Reducing blood pressure and cholesterol are key to maintaining heart health, especially for individuals with heart conditions. Heart-healthy diets eliminate the following foods:
Cheese: Many types of cheese contain high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. Cheese also contains proteins, calcium, and vitamins, so switching out processed and salty varieties for low-fat Swiss or mozzarella can be a suitable alternative.
Processed meat: Deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, and bacon contain preservatives that have been linked to a higher incidence of heart disease. Eating more than one serving of these types of meats per week can also increase the risk of developing other chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
Foods with refined sugar: In addition to having no nutritional value, refined sugars also raise blood pressure and trigger inflammation. Refined sugars can be found in a range of processed foods, such as white bread, pasta, and condiments.
