Diet, atherosclerosis and atherothrombotic events

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Dietary fat intake influences metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk.
• Western diets are linked to pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative states, increasing cardiovascular risk.
• Mediterranean diets are associated with lower cardiovascular disease and cancer incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between dietary patterns, fat consumption, and cardiovascular health.
• To investigate the mechanisms by which diet affects atherosclerosis development.
• To address the lack of controlled trials on diet's impact on cardiovascular events.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiologic studies and clinical trials on diet and cardiovascular health.
• Analysis of the impact of Western and Mediterranean diets on metabolic and inflammatory markers.
• Examination of diet-dependent mechanisms influencing endothelial function and atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

• Western diets (high saturated fat, sugar, salt) promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and thrombosis, raising cardiovascular risk.
• Mediterranean diets (rich in fish, fiber, healthy fats) are linked to reduced cardiovascular disease.
• Dietary components affect vascular endothelium, with prolonged exposure to harmful elements leading to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• Dietary fat composition plays a critical role in cardiovascular health and atherosclerosis.
• Monounsaturated fatty acids show benefits for endothelial function, while polyunsaturated fatty acids have less consistent results.
• Further research is needed to clarify diet-dependent mechanisms in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular event prevention.