Nutraceutical support in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death worldwide. In this regard, there is a need to find and implement effective methods for the prevention and treatment of such diseases. Lifestyle modification is an important component of a complex of preventive and therapeutic measures, including nutrition optimization, increased physical activity, and breaking bad habits. Currently, an actively developing area is the use of biologically active additives to food, in order to replenish the missing nutrients in the diet and maintain health. In the course of the present review, an analysis was made of randomized clinical trials performed over the past 5 years. The studies investigated both the short-term effects of taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (effect on the blood lipid spectrum, blood pressure levels) and longterm results (development of myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular mortality). This supplement has demonstrated a positive effect on immediate outcomes, namely the reduction of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides (lipid-lowering effect). However, there was no significant effect on long-term results. It also provides information on studies that have examined the cardioprotective effects of supplements such as resveratrol, red yeast rice, L-arginine, and curcumin. An analysis of publications has shown that these supplements have the potential to reduce the risk of development and progression of cardiovascular diseases due to possible hypolipidemic, endothelial protective, and antihypertensive effects. Nutraceutical support can be an effective addition to the basic treatment and help reduce morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease.

Keywords

• cardiovascular diseases
• omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
• biologically active supplements
• nutraceuticals
• prevention