Daily Considerations to Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases encompass a broad spectrum of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as conditions like atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease (IHD), hypertensive diseases, cardiomyopathy, and various others (Benjamin et al., 2018; Lopez et al., 2023). According to WHO, specific, clinical entities of CVDs may occur as coronary heart disease (CHD), (which is a condition affecting the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle); cerebrovascular disease, (which affects the blood vessels supplying the brain); peripheral arterial disease, (a condition that affects the blood vessels supplying the arms and legs); rheumatic heart disease (results from damage to the heart muscle and valves caused by rheumatic fever, often initiated by streptococcal bacteria) and congenital heart disease (refers to birth defects that alter the normal development and function of the heart due to structural abnormalities present at birth). Additionally, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) involve the formation of blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and migrate to the heart and lungs (Lopez et al., 2023; Sun et al., 2023; World Health Organization, 11 June 2021).

The etiology of a specific type of CVD is determined by multiple risk factors. Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption stand as the most significant behavioral risk factors for heart disease and stroke (Benjamin et al., 2018; Curry et al., 2018; Fox et al, 2004; Koletzko, 2015; Umesh et al, 2013). CVDs usually affect middle-aged and older adults, but some are increasingly appearing in younger individuals in recent years (Ward et al, 2021). It has been demonstrated that youths with CVDs experience a substantial share in the mortality burden (Ward et al, 2021; Sun et al., 2023); For instance, atherosclerosis can begin early in life and goes undetected for an extended time before developing into an advanced, clinically presentable, phase. Lifestyle modifications, such as moving from physically demanding to sedentary jobs and embracing a technology-driven culture, have led to longer work hours, increased commuting times, and reduced opportunities for physical activity during leisure time (Umesh et al., 2013; Lopez et al.,2023; Sun et al., 2023). These societal changes are believed to contribute to the increasing rates of CVDs observed in recent decades (Lopez et al., 2023; Yusuf et al, 2020).

It is imperative to understand that CVDs stand as a global health challenge, which necessitates a comprehensive understanding of contributing factors (Lopez et al., 2023). Besides the conventionally known risk factors for CVDs, that have been extensively investigated, as shown in Table 1, nutrient deficiencies and dietary components emerge as pivotal influencers, shaping the risk and severity of CVDs. Indeed, a correlation has been observed between diet (both quality and quantity) intake and the occurrence of different types of CVDs (Dearborn et al., 2015). Conversely, food items (fruits and vegetables) rich in bioactive compounds such as vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids serve as prophylactics for the prevention of cardiovascular disorders (Violi et al., 2022; Vlasschaert et al., 2020; Zhu et al., 2021). Therefore, the association between dietary intake and the occurrence of CVD is an area of current research focus. This work delves into the complex relationship between essential nutrients and cardiovascular health, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms that underscore the causes and maintenance of nutrition-deficient diseases. Concerning the globally affecting common cardiovascular pathologies such as CAD, stroke, and VTE, thrombosis remains the major underlying cause of disease development and progression.