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Exploring the Key to Healthy Cardiac Metabolism: Managing Diet, Nutrients,...
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Exploring the Key to Healthy Cardiac Metabolism: Managing Diet, Nutrients, and Lifestyle Choices

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2026 | Viewed by 1639

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Christina Chrysohoou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 114 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: heart failure; advanced heart failure; cardiopulmonary exercise test; rehabilitation; cardiametabolic medicine; cardiovascular imaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Christos Fragoulis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 114 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; behavioral cardiology; hypertensive crises; hypertension; cardiometabolic medicine; diabetes; obesity; cardiopulmonary exercise test; rehabilitation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ensuring optimal cardiac metabolism is vital for maintaining a healthy heart and overall wellness. A balanced diet filled with heart-friendly nutrients, paired with beneficial lifestyle choices, is crucial for avoiding metabolic disorders and heart diseases. Important dietary elements include omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts), antioxidants (from berries, dark leafy greens, and nuts), and fiber (rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables). These nutrients are effective in reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and managing blood pressure.

It is also essential to reduce the intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and high saturated fats, as they are linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. Additionally, staying properly hydrated and moderating sodium consumption supports cardiac function.

In addition to diet, regular physical activity boosts cardiac metabolism by enhancing circulation and the efficiency of mitochondria. Techniques for managing stress, such as mindfulness practices and getting enough sleep, also safeguard the heart by lowering cortisol levels and oxidative stress. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake further decreases metabolic risks.

In conclusion, a healthy lifestyle—focused on nutritious eating, regular exercise, and stress management—is essential for maintaining optimal cardiac metabolism and prevention. Making small, sustainable adjustments can lead to significant improvements in long-term heart health.

This Special Issue aims to gather original research, review articles, and case studies that examine the effects of various dietary patterns, nutrients, and lifestyle habits on cardiac health. Through these studies, we hope to further understand how to optimize cardiometabolism and promote heart-healthy living.

Dr. Christina Chrysohoou
Guest Editor

Dr. Christos Fragoulis
Guest Editor Assistant

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. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2900 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

  • cardiac metabolism
  • heart-healthy diet
  • omega-3 fatty acids
  • antioxidants
  • cardiovascular prevention
  • lifestyle choices
  • inflammation reduction
  • metabolic health

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1276 KB  
Article
Associations Between Nutrient Intake and Vascular Inflammation Among Healthy Adults Living in Rural and Peri-Urban Particulate Matter 2.5-Affected Areas: An Exploratory Study
by Wason Parklak, Hataichanok Chuljerm, Sawaeng Kawichai, Puriwat Fakfum, Putita Jiraya, Praporn Kijkuokool, Wiritphon Khiaolaongam, Surasawadee Somnuk and Kanokwan Kulprachakarn
Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2867; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172867 - 4 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1113
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure is associated with vascular inflammation and cardiovascular risk. However, the role of diet in modulating inflammation under such conditions remains unclear. This study explored the associations between nutrient intake and circulating vascular inflammatory biomarkers among apparently [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chronic particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure is associated with vascular inflammation and cardiovascular risk. However, the role of diet in modulating inflammation under such conditions remains unclear. This study explored the associations between nutrient intake and circulating vascular inflammatory biomarkers among apparently healthy adults living in PM2.5-affected rural and peri-urban areas in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Methods: Fifty-three healthy adults (27 rural; 26 peri-urban) were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, clinical parameters, and dietary intake using three consecutive 24 h recalls. Serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze associations between nutrient intake and inflammatory markers, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Peri-urban participants exhibited significantly higher levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and IL-6 compared to rural participants (p < 0.05). They also had higher intakes of sugars and saturated fatty acids, whereas rural participants consumed more cholesterol, antioxidant nutrients (vitamins C, A, and E), and minerals (e.g., potassium, selenium). Regression analyses revealed positive associations between sugar intake and all three inflammatory markers (ICAM-1: β = 0.467; VCAM-1: β = 0.481; IL-6: β = 0.557; all p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, intakes of selenium and vitamin A were inversely associated with VCAM-1 levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that certain dietary components may influence vascular inflammation among individuals exposed to PM2.5. Encouraging consumption of anti-inflammatory nutrients may help mitigate pollution-related cardiovascular risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Key to Healthy Cardiac Metabolism: Managing Diet, Nutrients, and Lifestyle Choices)
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Review

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14 pages, 277 KB  
Review
Diet After Acute Coronary Artery Syndrome
by Vasiliki Katsi, Marilena Giannoudi, Vasilios G. Kordalis and Konstantinos Tsioufis
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010005 - 19 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses ST-elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and unstable angina. While optimal medical therapy (OMT) is central to secondary prevention, lifestyle interventions—particularly dietary modification—remain underutilised despite their potential impact on long-term outcomes. Objective: To review the current evidence [...] Read more.
Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses ST-elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and unstable angina. While optimal medical therapy (OMT) is central to secondary prevention, lifestyle interventions—particularly dietary modification—remain underutilised despite their potential impact on long-term outcomes. Objective: To review the current evidence regarding dietary interventions post-ACS, their implementation, adherence, and effects on cardiovascular risk factors and clinical outcomes. Methods: A narrative literature review was performed using PubMed, including studies published in English from 2000 onwards. Keywords included “acute coronary syndrome,” “diet,” “cardiovascular disease,” “outcomes,” “adherence,” “wine,” and “intermittent fasting,” combined with Boolean operators AND/OR. Animal studies were excluded. The latest search was conducted in October 2025. Results: Mediterranean-style diets, when combined with OMT and lifestyle interventions (exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation), consistently improve cardiovascular risk factors and reduce recurrent ischemic events and mortality. Clinical trials and cohort studies demonstrate long-term benefits, including reductions in all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events, particularly in patients adhering to structured dietary programmes within cardiac rehabilitation. Evidence for other dietary modifications, including low-fat diets, increased fibre, antioxidant supplementation, and intermittent fasting, was more limited, often derived from small or short-term studies focusing on surrogate endpoints. Real-world adherence to dietary guidelines remains suboptimal, especially in high-risk and obese populations. Preliminary studies suggest intermittent fasting and moderate red wine consumption may confer additional cardiovascular benefits, though larger, long-term trials are needed. Conclusions: Dietary modification is a key, yet underutilised component of secondary prevention post-ACS. A Mediterranean-style, whole-food diet integrated with OMT and supported by structured cardiac rehabilitation programmes offers the most evidence-based strategy to improve risk factor control and long-term outcomes. Future research should focus on pragmatic, long-term trials assessing hard cardiovascular endpoints and implementation strategies to enhance adherence across diverse populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Key to Healthy Cardiac Metabolism: Managing Diet, Nutrients, and Lifestyle Choices)
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