Cardiovascular Disease and Nutrition

A special issue of Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease (ISSN 2308-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Epidemiology, Lifestyle, and Cardiovascular Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2026 | Viewed by 5497

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradins University, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
2. Riga East University Hospital, LV-1038 Riga, Latvia
Interests: risk factors of cardiovascular diseases; metabolic syndrome; pre-diabetes; diabetes mellitus; arterial hypertension; pulmonary hypertension; calcium metabolism; vitamin D; osteoporosis; pathology of bone, muscles, and connective tissues; significance and impact of viruses in internal medicine
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular disease is a global health problem; it is the leading cause of death worldwide. Its complex etiology includes many risk factors, but the profound influence of diet and nutrition is undeniable. This Special Issue focuses on cardiovascular disease in relation to diet and nutrition, acting as a comprehensive and critical link in studying how dietary choices affect the development, progression, and management of CVD.

This Special Issue will focus on the specific role of different dietary components, from macronutrients, such as fat, carbohydrate, and protein, to micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. The Special Issue also investigates how these elements interact to influence key cardiovascular processes, including blood pressure regulation, cholesterol metabolism, inflammation, and endothelial function, as well as the impact of different diets on the cardiovascular system. Publications that address emerging research areas such as the impact of the gut microbiome on cardiovascular health and the potential for personalized nutritional strategies are highly encouraged.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide healthcare professionals, researchers, and the public with the knowledge they need to make informed dietary choices that promote cardiovascular health and reduce the burden of these diseases. I invite you to actively participate in the preparation of this publication and to present your scientific results to the public.

Prof. Dr. Aivars Lejnieks
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • dietary patterns
  • micronutrients
  • macronutrients
  • inflammation
  • oxidative stress
  • metabolic syndrome
  • atherosclerosis
  • hypertension
  • microbiome

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 793 KB  
Article
Effects of a Novel Hippophae rhamnoides L. Seed Lipid Extract Formulation Obtained via Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction on Reducing Residual Cardiovascular Risk in High-Risk Patients: A Pilot Study
by Kristaps Erglis, Baiba Kokina, Sanda Jegere, Iveta Mintale, Eriks Jakobsons, Vadims Bartkevics, Martins Erglis, Ralfs Zuzans, Inga Narbute, Karlis Trusinskis and Andrejs Erglis
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(12), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12120478 - 4 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Unsaturated fatty acids have the potential to reduce residual cardiovascular risk. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) contains several valuable bioactive substances, including lipids with a balanced fatty acid composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sea buckthorn [...] Read more.
Unsaturated fatty acids have the potential to reduce residual cardiovascular risk. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) contains several valuable bioactive substances, including lipids with a balanced fatty acid composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sea buckthorn seed lipid extract (SBS-LE) on residual cardiovascular risk in high-risk patients. In this pilot study, 86 patients with chronic coronary syndrome receiving statin (atorvastatin or rosuvastatin) and/or ezetimibe were enrolled. SBS-LE capsules (1000 mg, twice daily) were prescribed in addition to standard medical therapy, with each capsule containing 300 mg of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, 370 mg of omega-6 linoleic acid, 170 mg of omega-9 oleic acid and 7 mg of the plant sterol beta-sitosterol. For this clinical trial, SBS-LE was produced via supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide. Clinical effects and impacts on laboratory test results were evaluated at baseline and after three months. Additionally, lipidomics testing was performed to confirm the bioavailability of the formulation. Significant reductions in systolic blood pressure by 2.9 mmHg (2.1%, p = 0.012), LDL-C by 0.3 mmol/l (12.0%, p = 0.005) and CRP by 1.0 mg/l (37.0%, p = 0.032) were observed. These data suggest that SBS-LE may have potential as an add-on preventive strategy for residual cardiovascular risk reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease and Nutrition)
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20 pages, 1386 KB  
Article
Global Analysis of Nutritional Factors and Cardiovascular Risk: Insights from Worldwide Data and a Case Study in Mexican Children
by Karmina Sánchez-Meza, Gustavo A. Hernández-Fuentes, Estibaliz Sánchez-Meza, Ivan Delgado-Enciso, Carmen A. Sánchez-Ramírez, Roberto Muñiz-Valencia, José Guzmán-Esquivel, Idalia Garza-Veloz, Margarita L. Martinez-Fierro, Iram P. Rodriguez-Sanchez, Janet Diaz-Martinez, Joel Cerna-Cortés, Oscar F. Beas-Guzmán and Mario Ramírez-Flores
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(4), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12040115 - 25 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with growing concerns about the impact of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs) on cardiovascular health. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between serum linoleic acid (LA) levels and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with growing concerns about the impact of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs) on cardiovascular health. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between serum linoleic acid (LA) levels and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), a recognized cardiovascular risk marker, in children. The research was conducted in two parts. First, a global analysis of publicly available data (2019–2021) explored the association between nutritional factors and CVD prevalence across 183 countries. Second, a cross-sectional study involving 67 children (33 with obesity and 34 with healthy weight, classified using BMI Z-scores) examined the correlation between serum LA levels and WHtR. Global analysis revealed a moderate correlation between low seafood omega-3 fatty acid intake and CVD incidence (rho = 0.341), while low polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption showed a weak correlation (rho = 0.228). In children, a significant positive correlation was observed between serum LA levels and WHtR (rho = 0.716, p < 0.001), with similar correlations found when stratified by sex (girls: rho = 0.690; boys: rho = 0.709). Serum LA levels also correlated positively with weight (rho = 0.684). These findings are consistent with the existing literature, that high serum LA levels may contribute to early cardiometabolic risk in children, emphasizing the need for dietary interventions to mitigate cardiovascular risks in early life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease and Nutrition)
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Review

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16 pages, 686 KB  
Review
Safety and Efficacy of Salt Restriction Across the Spectrum of Heart Failure
by Panagiotis Stachteas, Athina Nasoufidou, Markella Koiliari, Vasiliki Arampatzi, Chrysa Alexaki, Christos Kofos, Paschalis Karakasis, Efstratios Karagiannidis, Theocharis Koufakis, Nikolaos Fragakis and Dimitrios Patoulias
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(11), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12110432 - 2 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Dietary sodium restriction is widely recommended in heart failure (HF) management; however, its benefits and risks remain a subject of ongoing debate. While moderate sodium reduction may improve symptoms and quality of life in selected patients, excessive restriction can trigger maladaptive neurohormonal activation, [...] Read more.
Dietary sodium restriction is widely recommended in heart failure (HF) management; however, its benefits and risks remain a subject of ongoing debate. While moderate sodium reduction may improve symptoms and quality of life in selected patients, excessive restriction can trigger maladaptive neurohormonal activation, worsen renal function, and increase the risk of hyponatremia, malnutrition, and cachexia. Patient response is heterogeneous, influenced by clinical risk profile, salt sensitivity, comorbidities, and age, with some high-risk patients experiencing neutral or adverse outcomes. Additional challenges arise from hidden sodium in processed foods, medications, and meals, which complicate monitoring and adherence. Effective sodium management in HF therefore requires a nuanced, individualized approach that integrates risk stratification, dietary counseling, and public health measures targeting the food industry. Future research should refine patient selection criteria and establish optimal sodium targets to balance therapeutic efficacy with safety in real-world practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease and Nutrition)
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14 pages, 1036 KB  
Review
Ocean Acidification, Iodine Bioavailability, and Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Possible Emerging Risks
by Charalampos Milionis, Costas Thomopoulos, Emilia Papakonstantinou and Ioannis Ilias
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(11), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12110418 - 22 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change drives ocean acidification, which alters marine iodine cycling and increases bioaccumulation in marine ecosystems. This environmental shift may alter marine iodine cycling and, under certain conditions, lead to increased dietary and atmospheric iodine exposure, particularly in coastal populations, with potential [...] Read more.
Anthropogenic climate change drives ocean acidification, which alters marine iodine cycling and increases bioaccumulation in marine ecosystems. This environmental shift may alter marine iodine cycling and, under certain conditions, lead to increased dietary and atmospheric iodine exposure, particularly in coastal populations, with potential risks for thyroid dysfunction and downstream cardiovascular complications. Experimental data suggest that acidification may enhance iodine uptake in marine organisms such as kelp and seafood, with possible implications for consumption by humans. Because chronic iodine excess has already been associated with thyroid disease and its related cardiovascular disorders, these connections are worthy of further examination. In this narrative review we provide a synthesis of the possible mechanistic pathways by which ocean acidification, iodine bioavailability, thyroid function, and cardiovascular health may be connected. We also highlight the need for ongoing investigation, environmental monitoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration to further explain and address these tentative associations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease and Nutrition)
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