Antiatherogenic Effects of Vitamins, Mediterranean Diet and DASH Diet: An Overview for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

AtherogenesisAtherogenesis is the progressive pathologic phenomenon where the arterial blood vessels become hard and narrow, consequently restricting blood flow to the vital organs and tissues. Atherogenesis has been reported to be the primary cause of coronary heart diseaseCoronary heart disease (CHD), heart attack and stroke, causing high mortality and morbidity globally. The progression of atherosclerosisAtherosclerosis can be prevented by antioxidantAntioxidant/anti-inflammation dietary interventions, smoking cessation, less alcohol consumption, and physical activity. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the various modifiable and non-modifiable/geneticGenetics risk factors associated with atherosclerosisAtherosclerosis and preventionPrevention of cardiovascular diseasesCardiovascular disease. The preventive measures of modifiable CVD risk factors addressed in this review include the intake of antioxidant vitamins (niacinNiacin, pyridoxin, B12, C, D, E, folic acidFolic acid), Mediterranean dietMediterranean diet and DASH diet for the management of atherosclerosisAtherosclerosis and plaque formation. Clinical trials done with vitamin CVitamin C for the prevention of CVDs are also described. HeartHeart healthy diets such as citrus fruits, fresh vegetables, omega-3 PUFAPolyunsaturated fatty acids, culinary spices, and probiotics have proven beneficial in reducing the progression and preventionPrevention of atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitusDiabetes mellitus, hypertension, LDL, and C-reactive protein in all age groups, especially in the younger population. The focus of this review is to present an overview of the pathophysiological mechanismsMechanisms responsible for causing atherosclerosisAtherosclerosis and the preventive role of various wholesome foods such as Med-diet, DASH dietDASH diet, and vitamin supplements so that new therapeutic modalities can emerge and help in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with atherosclerosisAtherosclerosis-induced CHD andCoronary heart disease cardiometabolic diseases.