Optimum nutritional strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation (BACPR)

What is it about?

The BACPR diet working group was established to develop specific recommendations relating to nutrition and cardiovascular health. This review forms a summary of the evidence to date, and a list of recommendations for effective implementation. 

Historically many guidelines have focused on macronutrients (fats, proteins and carbohydrates). However in doing so risks ignoring the obvious fact that we eat whole foods. This document examines some of the key food groups associated with cardiovascular health such as dairy and fruits and vegetables, and also considers a "whole diet" for improving cardiovascular health.

There are multiple lines of evidence that reinforce the traditional "heart healthy" Mediterranean diet pattern. However, there are also additional studies showing that a low-carbohydrate diet may also be of use for some individuals, and that the quality of the low-carbohydrate diet really matters when it comes to heart health.

This article reinforces the current understanding around nutrition and cardiovascular health. However it importantly challenges established dogma e.g. that low-carbohydrate diets are bad for health, and that all plant-based diets are beneficial, capturing new developments and incorporating these into recommendations for all healthcare professionals working in this field.

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