Diet as a tool for primordial cardiovascular prevention in developing countries

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular diseases (CVD), represent a significant and escalating health challenge in developing nations, often termed NCD epidemics.
• These NCD epidemics threaten healthcare systems and national development, with CVDs causing 28.5% of all deaths in developing countries.
• The profile of CVD varies within developing nations based on their epidemiological transition phase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key studies evaluating the role of diet in the primordial prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
• To highlight the importance of early intervention in addressing risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies.
• Analysis of dietary interventions in primordial prevention settings.

Main Results:

• Atherosclerosis begins in youth and is linked to risk factors such as dyslipidemia, smoking, hypertension, Body Mass Index, and blood glucose levels.
• Primordial prevention strategies must commence early in life.
• While clinical trials often focus on primary and secondary prevention, some studies explore diet's role in primordial prevention.

Conclusions:

• Primordial prevention, focusing on avoiding risk factor development early in life, is essential for mitigating the burden of cardiovascular diseases in developing nations.
• Dietary interventions show potential in primordial prevention strategies.
• Further research and focus on primordial prevention are needed, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.