Abstract

Aortic atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease are among the cardiovascular diseases (CVD) that constitute a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. These conditions represent a significant public health concern and are the leading cause of death globally. In the context of CVD prevention, nutrition research has shifted from focusing on single nutrients and specific foods to overall dietary patterns. However, the optimal dietary components for improving cardiometabolic health remain unclear. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the relationship between diet and CVD is crucial for developing dietary guidelines and intervention strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk. This review provides an up-to date summary of data from randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses to comprehensively examine the role of specific dietary components and patterns in influencing CVD risk and health outcomes. Evidence-based insights into healthy foods, dietary choices, and nutritional guidance for general health and CVD management are also provided.