Mediterranean diet in secondary prevention of the cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

The main causes of death in patients with heart failure are sudden coronary death (SCD) and chronic heart failure (CHF). The main mechanism underlying heart failure is a blood disorder that is usually caused by the formation of plaques in locations vulnerable to high lipid content, where the proportion of cholesterol, compared with fatty acids, is extremely small. Thus, the three main objectives is the prevention of CVD: 1. Preventing the formation of plaques; 2. Prevent the development of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and left ventricular dysfunction; 3. Reduction to a minimum the risk of erosion and ulceration of the plaque. Currently, there is consensus on the recommendations of the Mediterranean diet for the purpose of secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, as it is effective in reducing the risk of fatal complications such as sudden cardiac death and heart failure. This article is devoted to a generalization of modern knowledge about the influence of the Mediterranean diet in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.