Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases are a common problem of modern cardiology, and the whole sphere of medicine since the number of people who suffer from this ailment is increasing every year. In order to cope with the consequences of damage to the heart muscle, doctors have to constantly look for new ways of treatment, and patients are forced to adhere to a certain lifestyle and limit themselves in many ways. One of the essential conditions for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is an appropriate diet, which, if properly planned, can help in the process of treatment. According to Dalen and Devries (1), one of the central principles that should be observed is the reduction of fat intake. Nevertheless, some fats can still benefit the body. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a proper nutrition plan for a person who is at risk of developing such a disease to be able to not only lose weight but also to achieve a significant easing of the burden on the heart.
The research questions of this study are as follows:
- What does a balanced principle of nutrition imply?
- Are there appropriate diets to successfully cope with the issue of cardiovascular diseases?
- What are challenges that people using this or that diet can face?
Proposed Methodology
A qualitative method of gathering data is more appropriate for this study since surveys, questionnaires, and some other similar forms of statistical data collection will be used. The primary sources of information are both people’s experience and the results of scientific articles where scholars present certain ideas regarding the possibility of using corresponding diets and principles of nutrition. In order to achieve good and useful results, specific subjects of the research should be determined for the study to be as accurate as possible.
Subjects
The subjects of the research are people suffering from any form of cardiovascular diseases and having overweight. The study can include both men women of different ages and races. A personal desire of people to participate in the research is welcomed. However, it is possible to study some medical data of patients to have enough useful information. Moreover, particular information can be gathered from those scientific sources that are used, and specific cases can be examined.
Instruments
Theoretical information about the benefits of proper nutrition, as well as medical data of participants, can be used to perform research and evaluate the results. Answers to the questions received during the survey can be used as a basis for a comparative database. As an evaluation criterion, the initial and final results can be used.
Data Analysis
All the data received can be evaluated according to a standard principle of analysis when taking into account both the most difficult and the easiest cases and making a comparative review of the results obtained. The information can be presented in the form of tables where initial and final results of the research can be reflected. These data can include the indicators of weight, the regime of nutrition, etc. Also, personal reviews of the participants of the survey can be used. Their opinions regarding the use of proper nutrition and limitations of the study can be taken into account.
Limitations of the Study
The information received from the participants is the only one and cannot be disputed. The interests of people who take part in the study are central, and the data obtained from them are the only possible one. The age of participants is not limited since no serious tests are conducted.
Literature Review
Most of the articles used for writing the paper relate to the topic of proper nutrition, describing the advantages of this or that diet to prevent or treat any form of cardiovascular diseases. For example, Chomistek et al. (2) remark that polyunsaturated elements that are contained in fish, olive oil, and some other products are useful substances for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (2). It is significant to organize a diet in such a way to exclude the consumption of harmful solid fats in the form of butter or, for example, margarine.
In the article by Astrup (3), the use of yogurt and other dairy products is described. Eating this food is one of the ways to significantly reduce the potential threat of heart attacks. However, quite often, such products contain sugar that like salt does not bring many benefits to the body.
According to the study by LeFevre (4), people should know more about the problems that can lead to cardiovascular diseases and, in particular, obesity. Martinez-Gonzalez and Bes-Rastrollo (5) claim that today, there are quite a few ways to burn fat mass and thereby considerably reduce the risk of developing a heart attack: it can be a famous Mediterranean diet, as well as any other useful diets. According to Åkesson, Larsson, Discacciati, and Wolk (6), Both men and women should know about the benefits of weight loss since the threat of heart disease can overtake any person. Therefore, a balanced diet is an indispensable condition for combating dangerous ailments.
Time Frame
The period of research can last for three months. This time is enough to assess the effectiveness of certain diets and make some conclusions regarding their effectiveness and a positive effect on the state of health. Also, more time can be necessary if the participants of the research decide to continue the experiment.
References
- Dalen JE, Devries S. Diets to prevent coronary heart disease 1957-2013: what have we learned? Am J Med. 2014; 127(5): 364-369.
- Chomistek AK, Chiuve SE, Eliassen AH, Mukamal KJ, Willett WC, Rimm EB. Healthy lifestyle in the primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease among young women. J Am Col Card. 2015; 65(1): 43-51.
- Astrup A. Yogurt and dairy product consumption to prevent cardiometabolic diseases: epidemiologic and experimental studies. American J Clinic Nutr. 2014; 99(5): 1235S-1242S.
- LeFevre ML. Behavioral counseling to promote a healthful diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults with cardiovascular risk factors: US preventive services task force recommendation statement. Ann Int Med. 2014; 161(8): 587-593.
- Martinez-Gonzalez MA, Bes-Rastrollo M. Dietary patterns, Mediterranean diet, and cardiovascular disease. Cur Op Lipid. 2014; 25(1): 20-26.
- Åkesson A, Larsson SC, Discacciati A, Wolk A. Low-risk diet and lifestyle habits in the primary prevention of myocardial infarction in men: a population-based prospective cohort study. J Am Col Card. 2014; 64(13): 1299-1306.