Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Western countries, representing almost 30% of all deaths worldwide. Over the past decades, there have been a number of high-quality studies evidencing a strong association between the effectiveness of healthy dietary patterns and lifestyles for the prevention of CVD. A diet with a poor quality has been linked with increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. In contrast, a heart-healthy diet includes maximising the consumption of vegetables, fruits, oily fish, wholegrains, and legumes and reducing the consumption of saturated fats, red meats, and refined carbohydrates. Due to interactions between different food groups and nutrients, dietary recommendations for the prevention of CVD should be primarily focused on healthy dietary patterns rather than single food groups or nutrients.
The Mediterranean and the DASH diets in particular have been associated with a lower risk of mortality from CHD and CVD. These dietary patterns have been linked with a reduction in blood pressure, LDL cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk. However, it is important to note that there are different types of diets, and patients’ own needs/ beliefs should also be taken into account. Thus, clinicians should incorporate a shared decisionmaking strategy to find sustainable and healthy alternatives that patients will be able to adhere to.
For verified healthcare professionals
Log in or register for free to read this article. HPN is for healthcare professionals, so new accounts are verified by our team.
