The power of a balanced diet and lifestyle in preventing cardiovascular disease.

We examine the physiologic changes involved in the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as multiple dietary and lifestyle factors that either promote or prevent CVD. Dietary fats (saturated, monounsaturated, n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated, and trans fats), antioxidants, and carbohydrates, as well as alcohol consumption, exercise, smoking, and infections, are evaluated. Epidemiologic studies and clinical trials are discussed in light of the underlying mechanisms.