plaque formation within the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack. HDL cholesterol reduces the risk of CVD as it removes cholesterol from the arteries and takes it to the liver. High levels of HDL and low levels of LDL cholesterol lower risk of UNIT - - - NUTRITION IN HYPERTENSION AND CARDIO-VASCULAR DISEASE CVD. High levels of triglyceride combined with high levels of LDL cholesterol speed up atherosclerosis.
. Body weight: Obesity results when energy intake (i.e. food intake) is more than the energy output (i.e. physical activity).
Obesity often occurs in combination with elevated blood cholesterol level, hypertension, and diabetes thereby increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure. Increasing physical activity can help to reduce the risk of obesity and associated CVD. . Unbalanced diet: A regular intake of foods rich in saturated fat, trans fat, and salt, coupled with a low intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and lean protein is unhealthy and can significantly increase the risk of CVD.
A balanced diet which contains foods from different food groups in proportions needed by the body is recommended to reduce risk. . Unhealthy fat: Some sources of unhealthy fat include red meat, bakery products, butter, junk food, fried foods and pre-packaged snack foods. It is advisable to replace such fat with healthier sources such as vegetable and plant - based oils.
. Salt intake: Increased salt consumption results in increased blood pressure, which contributes to the overall CVD risk. Indians have been consuming far more salt as against the gms per day limit recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO, ). .
Dietary fibre: Dietary fibre is available only from plant sources such as fruits, vegetables, beans, pulses and whole grains. Greater dietary fibre intake is associated with a lower risk of CVD. Research shows that soluble fibre reduces LDL cholesterol levels. .
Physical activity: Being physically active helps in maintaining blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipid levels within normal limits and thereby reduces the risk of obesity and CVD. . Smoking: Smoking is extremely harmful to the