Nutrition and cardiovascular disease: an Asia Pacific perspective

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Public Health Nutrition

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in the Asia Pacific region.
• Trends in CVD mortality vary significantly across the region, with some countries showing declines and others experiencing increases.
• Dietary changes are increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing these mortality trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between changing dietary intake patterns and cardiovascular disease mortality trends in the Asia Pacific.
• To identify specific dietary components associated with increased or decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease.
• To highlight the challenges and opportunities for future research in this diverse region.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of dietary intake patterns across Asia Pacific countries.
• Correlation of dietary trends with cardiovascular disease mortality data, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease.
• Review of existing literature on dietary factors and cardiovascular health.

Main Results:

• Countries with higher CHD mortality often exhibit greater fat intake, particularly from animal products.
• Specific fatty acid profiles and other food constituents (e.g., soybeans, antioxidants, tea) may play a role in atherogenic and thrombotic effects or offer cardio-protection.
• Cerebrovascular disease remains a major cause of death in some East Asian countries, though stroke death rates have declined in Taiwan and Japan.

Conclusions:

• Dietary fat, especially from animal sources, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the Asia Pacific.
• Plant-based foods and other dietary components show potential as cardio-protective agents.
• Addressing diverse dietary patterns and improving data are crucial for future research and interventions to combat cardiovascular disease in the region.