Healthy nutrition an important part of preventing cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

With this study we aimed to determine the importance of preventing cardiovascular diseases through healthy nutrition. The purpose of this paper is, on the one hand, to identify the theoretical aspects related to risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and, on the other hand, to determine the concepts related to the influence of diet on cholesterol and triglyceride values, blood pressure and obesity-three extremely important risk factors involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study is also to develop a weekly nutritional programme to help prevent cardiovascular diseases, especially for people with multiple risk factors such as genetic inheritance, age, diabetes, etc., which cannot be controlled. The method used in the research was specialty literature review. In this regard, several documents related to the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, risk factors for their settlement, the influence of diet on the maintenance of blood cholesterol, blood pressure and body weight within normal limits were analyzed. Numerous documentaries on the subject were also viewed. Primary prevention refers to the behaviour that everyone should adopt to minimise the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. People with risk of heart diseases should have a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well, not smoking or drinking alcohol, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, avoiding stress and doing relaxing activities in their free time. People with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases should also severely limit consumption of foods containing trans fats, i.e. hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats found in margarine, chips, semi-prepared products, fried potatoes, fried cheese, frozen pizza, microwave popcorn, biscuits, cakes, cookies, donuts. Over time, these will lead to increased bad cholesterol-LDL and triglycerides and lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Prevention of cardiovascular diseases can be achieved through a healthy lifestyle, eliminating as far as possible modifiable risk factors (diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption, prolonged fatigue, stress, etc.), but also through regular medical check-ups, including blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar.