HEART-HEALTHY EATING: DIETARY APPROACHES TO PREVENTING AND MANAGING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE NOUF SAAD ALSAQER1, SAMIRAH TALAQ ALM

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality globally, with dietary factors playing a critical role in both its development and prevention. This comprehensive review examines evidence-based dietary approaches for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease, focusing on three primary dietary patterns with established cardiovascular benefits: the Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and plant-based diets. The study explores the scientific evidence supporting each dietary pattern, their specific components that confer cardiovascular protection, and their effects on various cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, it addresses the growing concerns about ultra-processed foods and examines the controversial role of low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets in cardiovascular health. With the global burden of diabetes reaching 589 million adults in 2024 and projected to increase to 853 million by 2050, understanding the relationship between diet and cardiometabolic health has never been more critical. This review provides practical dietary recommendations for cardiovascular disease prevention and management, emphasizing that dietary approaches should be individualized, culturally appropriate, and sustainable for long-term adherence.