Dietary patterns
Eight well established dietary patterns proven to support cardiovascular health and lipids.
| This HEART UK Nutrition Academy webpage has been partly funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd who have had no input into the content or development of this material. |
Review the science behind UK and international dietary recommendations and our HEART UK expert advice.
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International consensus: diets low in saturated fats and added sugars, and which contain good amounts of unsaturated fats, fibre, whole grains, nuts, vegetables and other plant compounds improve heart health by reducing cardiovascular risk factors – including lowering blood lipids.
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The impact of specific lifestyle changes on lipids have been thoroughly evaluated in:
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the 2019 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk and
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the 2021 American Heart Association (AHA) dietary guidance to improve cardiovascular health.
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In the UK, NICE guidance (NG238) - Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, provides specific nutritional recommendations for lipid management.
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As nutrients are not eaten in isolation, but in the form of foods, dietary guidance for cardiovascular health and lipid management focus on foods.
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In recent years, nutrition research has examined the impact of overall dietary patterns and the risk of cardiovascular disease, considering foods as part of an overall diet.
Last updated: 25 June 2024