Diet and Cardiovascular Disease: How Food Choices Affect Heart Health

Diet is a modifiable cornerstone of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Key dietary factors:

Risk‑Increasing Factors

• Saturated & trans fats: Raise LDL cholesterol → atherosclerosis.
• Dietary cholesterol: Contributes to LDL elevation (though less impact than saturated fat).
• Excess sodium: Drives hypertension.
• Added sugars: Promote obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia.
• Low fruit/vegetable/whole grain intake: Missed fiber, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants.
• Low omega‑3 fatty acids: Reduced anti‑inflammatory, anti‑arrhythmic benefits.

Heart‑Healthy Dietary Pattern

• Mediterranean or DASH diet: abundant plants, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, fish; limited red meat, processed foods, sweets.
• Portion control and mindful eating.

Consistent adherence lowers CVD events by 30%+ in trials.