Cardiologist lists six foods which must be 'avoided at all costs' to help prevent heart disease

If you're a fan of a hearty meat-filled meal in the morning, then you aren't going to be happy with this cardiologist's list.

Cardiovascular diseases are the biggest killer for men and women around the globe, with an estimated 17.9 million people dying each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

So, keeping a tab on what goes into our bodies is one of the most important ways to extend our lives.

Now, cardiologist Lauren Baldwin has listed six foods which must be 'avoided at all costs' to help prevent heart disease.

Let's get straight into it.

Bacon, sausage and processed meats

Heart disease is one of the biggest killers worldwide (Getty stock)

First up is our breakfasts.

In a blog uploaded to Orlando Health, the physician assistant wrote: "These foods don’t have a lot going for them, health-wise. Start with the fact that they are high in salt, which can be a major contributor to high blood pressure.

"These tasty foods are also high in saturated fats, which can increase your LDL cholesterol levels. Often referred to as 'bad cholesterol', this is the stuff that collects on the walls of your blood vessels, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke.

"And finally, processed foods have a lot of free radicals, which can increase your risk for various types of cancer."

Potato chips and other processed snacks

Potato chips are full of 'empty calories', according to cardiologist Lauren Baldwin (Getty stock)

Next up, Baldwin is coming after our baked goods.

The crispy goods are high in sodium and fat, and Baldwin described them as 'empty calories' as she explained that 'all you’re getting is calories without the vitamins, minerals and fiber your body is craving'.

"That’s a recipe for overeating, since you’ll still be hungry, even after finishing that bag," the cardiologist added.

Fast food

Fast food is not very healthy - surprise! (Getty Stock)

There's no surprise fast food has made the list. I'll let the medical professional explain why.

"The key is to avoid having these foods as a regular part of your diet. Like some other foods on this list, they are high in sodium. But even worse is that many fast-food restaurants are still using trans fats," Baldwin said.

"These are the least healthy fats you can eat, since they raise your bad cholesterol levels, while also lowering your good cholesterol levels.

"One of the reasons these fats continue to be used – particularly with fried foods – is that they have a longer shelf life."

Red meat

How can you say no to this juicy-looking steak? (Getty stock)

Oh no! Are we supposed to just go veggie or vegan? You're taking a lot away from us here doc!

Baldwin explained that red meat, which includes pork, is high in saturated fats and cholesterol.

She wrote: "Recent research also suggests that red meat carries nutrients that produce trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), when broken down by your gut. TMAO has been linked to increased risk for hardened arteries, heart attack and stroke."

Fortunately however, there are some meats we can still have - including chicken or fish, but if they don't suffic, Baldwin urges you to go for the leanest cut of red meat.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, these are the leanest cuts: eye of round roast and steak, sirloin tip side steak, top round roast and steak, bottom round roast and steak, and top sirloin steak.

Sugary drinks

Fizzy sodas can wreak havoc on your health (Getty Stock)

Many fizzy drinks are loaded with sugar, which increases the risk for metabolic disease as well as diabetes, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Just like potato chips, they're full of empty calories, but energy drinks are the worst of all. Baldwin writes: "They’re loaded with sugar and high amounts of caffeine, which can cause heart palpitations (fluttering or fast-beating heart) and, in some cases, arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat)."

Movie theater popcorn

Popcorn isn't necessarily all bad, but many cinemas add trans fats (Getty Stock))

If you love a trip to the movie theater, you aren't going to be too pleased with this.

Baldwin explained: "Along with being covered in salt, the stuff is often popped in coconut oil – high in saturated fats that can raise your bad cholesterol level.

"It’s even worse if you get it drenched in 'butter', which is usually something like butter-flavored flavored palm oil, which gets you even more saturated fats. The large portion sizes don’t help, either.

"This isn’t to say that all popcorn is bad. You can make a healthy snack with air-popped popcorn. Just take it easy with the butter, salt and portion size."