Significance of Diet Therapy in the Development and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Diet significantly affects the development and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, attention has been paid to the setting of LDL-C targets for prevention of coronary artery disease, and it has been recommended that these should be even lower. According to the Japan Atherosclerosis Society guidelines, the LDL-C level for secondary prevention should be less than 100 mg/dL or less than 70 mg/dL, whereas in Western countries, less than 55 mg/dL is recommended. Diet is important, regardless of whether the LDL-C level it is hereditary or whether patients are medicated. In fact, even if the target level is reached under drug therapy, a 10‐20％ fluctuation in LDL-C occurs if the intake of cholesterol and fats (especially saturated and trans fats) increases. In the diet, it is important to pay attention to the proper total energy intake and fat-to-energy ratio, as well as the intake of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. The low-sodium Japan diet improves lipid metabolism and is thought to be useful for prevention of arteriosclerotic disease.