In Pakistan, foods cooked in desi ghee and fried street snacks like samosas, pakoras, and fries are a regular part of daily life. While they are flavorful and culturally loved, cardiologists including Dr. Shoaib Sarwar Hashmi warn that excessive intake of desi ghee and fried street food can significantly increase the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and heart attacks. Understanding the impact of these foods on your cardiac health is essential for prevention and long term wellbeing.
How Desi Ghee Affects Heart Health
Desi ghee contains saturated fats, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels when consumed in large amounts. LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.
According to Dr. Shoaib Sarwar Hashmi, moderate use of desi ghee may not harm healthy individuals, but frequent and excessive intake increases the risk of blocked arteries, especially in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity. Over time, this can lead to angina, heart attack, or heart failure.
Many people assume desi ghee is completely safe because it is natural. However, natural fats still impact cholesterol levels, and portion control is critical for heart protection.
The Hidden Danger of Fried Street Food
Fried street food is often prepared using reused oil, which produces harmful compounds called trans fats and oxidized fats. These fats are extremely dangerous for heart health.
Dr. Shoaib Sarwar Hashmi explains that regular consumption of fried street food can lead to increased LDL cholesterol, reduced HDL cholesterol, inflammation in blood vessels, and higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Street foods like fries, samosas, fried chicken, and jalebi may taste good, but frequent intake puts unnecessary stress on the cardiovascular system.
How These Foods Increase Heart Attack Risk
Excessive intake of desi ghee and fried foods contributes to several major heart risk factors:
High cholesterol levels
Weight gain and obesity
High blood pressure
Insulin resistance and diabetes
Artery blockage
Dr. Shoaib Sarwar Hashmi emphasizes that many heart attack patients in Pakistan have a history of high consumption of fried and fatty foods combined with a sedentary lifestyle.
Even young adults are now at risk due to poor dietary habits and lack of exercise.
How Much is Safe to Consume?
You do not need to completely eliminate desi ghee, but moderation is key. Cardiologists like Dr. Shoaib Sarwar Hashmi recommend limiting desi ghee intake to small amounts and avoiding frequent consumption of fried street food.
Healthier alternatives include:
Using olive oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil
Eating home cooked meals instead of street food
Avoiding reused oil and deep fried snacks
Choosing grilled, baked, or steamed foods
These simple changes can significantly reduce heart disease risk.
Signs Your Diet May Be Affecting Your Heart
If your diet is high in saturated and fried fats, you may experience warning signs such as:
Chest discomfort
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
High blood pressure
Elevated cholesterol levels
Dr. Shoaib Sarwar Hashmi advises early screening and heart checkups for individuals with unhealthy dietary habits, even if symptoms are mild.
Importance of Regular Heart Checkups
Many people ignore the effects of diet until serious heart problems develop. Regular cardiac screening helps detect cholesterol issues and heart disease early.
Dr. Shoaib Sarwar Hashmi provides comprehensive heart evaluations, including cholesterol testing, ECG, echocardiography, and preventive cardiology consultation to help patients protect their heart health.
Early intervention can prevent major complications.
Book a Heart Health Consultation
If you regularly consume desi ghee or fried street food and want to assess your heart risk, consult an experienced cardiologist. Dr. Shoaib Sarwar Hashmi offers expert evaluation, personalized dietary guidance, and preventive heart care in Lahore and through online consultation.
Early assessment can help you prevent heart disease and maintain long term cardiovascular health.
Final Thoughts
Desi ghee and fried street food, when consumed excessively, can significantly increase the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and heart attacks. While occasional consumption may be safe, frequent intake can damage your arteries over time.
Cardiologists like Dr. Shoaib Sarwar Hashmi recommend maintaining a balanced diet, reducing fried foods, and getting regular heart checkups to protect your cardiovascular system.
Taking care of your heart today ensures a healthier and longer life tomorrow.