DIET IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS - A PERSPECTIVE FOR THE ELDERLY

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of coronary heart disease among o lder persons. With an increasing elderly population cardiovascular dis ease has become an urgent public health concern. Diet plays an importa nt role in atherogenesis with known beneficial effects on major risk f actors among the younger population-cholesterol, hypertension, and dia betes. Intervention studies are needed to establish the benefits of di et therapy in the elderly segment of the population. Efforts are also needed to educate the elderly and health professionals about the benef its of a healthy Step I diet.