Cardiovascular disease prevention: a challenge for Latin America

Cardiovascular disease in Latin American women

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability in adults in Latin America. Women are more affected by these diseases than by all forms of cancer. Latin American countries have experienced rapid and uneven socioeconomic changes with a significant effect on lifestyle, demographic and health-related indicators. Differences in methodological approaches make it difficult to compare studies and health statistics across countries in the region. According to available statistics, female population in Latin American countries have lower mortality rate from coronary heart disease and higher mortality rate from cerebrovascular disease than North America. Current rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes are alarming in female in some countries. The high prevalence of risk factors forecasts an increase in cardiovascular disease for the coming decades in this region of the world. More systematic and sustained efforts for research, education, surveillance, prevention, early detection and affordable treatment are required across all Latin American countries to improve health conditions for adult population and particularly for women, who are more affected by obesity and diabetes. This article reviews the available information on cardiovascular disease and related risk factors in Latin American countries with a focus on female and to provide a brief description of selected multinational and national efforts to study and prevent this threat.

Pre-historic eating patterns in Latin America and protective effects of plant-based diets on cardiovascular risk factors

In this review, we present the contributions to nutrition science from Latin American native peoples and scientists, appreciated from a historic point of view since pre-historic times to the modern age. Additionally, we present epidemiological and clinical studies on the area of plant-based diets and their relation with the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases conducted in recent decades, and we discuss challenges and perspectives regarding aspects of nutrition in the region.

Recomendações de alimentação e nutrição saudável para a população brasileira

Apresentamos sugestões para a definição de guias alimentares para a população brasileira, excetuando as crianças. Os principais objetivos dessas recomedações são a manutenção de peso saudável e a prevenção da obesidade, das doenças cardiovasculares, do diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e da osteoporose. As mensagens para o público têm duas pressuposições: retomar hábitos saudáveis da dieta brasileira e estimular o consumo de alimentação saudável ao invés de formular proibições. As principais mensagens incluem: consumo de alimentos variados, em 4 refeições ao dia; manutenção de um peso saudável; aumento da atividade física diária; ingestão de arroz e feijão todos os dias, acompanhados de legumes e vegetais folhosos; ingestão de 4 a 5 porções de frutas todos os dias; redução do açúcar; evitar uso de refrigerantes; para lanches, comer frutas ao invés de biscoitos, bolos e salgadinhos; comer pouco sal; usar óleos e azeite ao invés de outras gorduras; tomar leite e comer produtos lácteos, com baixo teor de gordura, pelo menos 3 vezes por dia.