Naslov
Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular diseases

Autori
Banjari, Ines ; Bajraktarović-Labović, Snežana ; Misir, Andreja ; Huzjak, Boris

Izvornik
Timočki medicinski glasnik (0350-2899) 38 (2013), 4; 188-202

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, pregledni rad, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Mediterranean diet ; cardiovascular diseases ; risk factors ; mortality ; characteristic foods ; research

Sažetak
Treating a person that has one of cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis is very complex and it has to be individualized. However treatment always includes dietary change. The reason for this approach lies in the large number of risk factors behind CVDs. The most emphasized are the following: hypertension, hyperlipidemias, smoking, overweight and obesity, lack of physical activity and unfavourable dietary habits. Dietary approach basically includes hypocaloric diet on DASH principle or Mediterranean diet. Mediterranean diet is one of the most intensively researched dietary principles, which is not true only for Mediterranean countries. Large prospective studies have shown this diet’s relation to prevention of CVDs, including smaller incidence of mortality and morbidity due to CVDs. Every other person in Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro dies of CVDs. It is estimated that till the year 2030 more than 23 million people world-wide will die of CVDs annually. Large public health significance of CVDs conveys the need of adequate and effective preventive action. This is where the Mediterranean diet has positioned itself. Its distinctiveness lies in unique combination of foods, which despite variations between Mediterranean countries, has the same basics that incorporates high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, milk and fermented dairy products, fish and wholegrain, olive oil and red wine. Moreover, it includes psychosocial aspect, which presents an important feature of this, not only diet principle, but the way of life. In addition to positive impact on CVDs, this diet has also been correlated with lower incidence of carcinomas, preterm death, dementia, depression and Alzheimer’s’ disease. Despite decreasing trend in mortality due to CVDs in the last few years, morbidity is still high. Percentage of older citizens (geriatric population) is on the rise ; therefore, the quality of life is becoming a priority. Mediterranean diet may be the solution.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Temeljne medicinske znanosti, Kliničke medicinske znanosti, Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

Napomena
Rad je dostupan i na hrvatskom jeziku.

POVEZANOST RADA