Populations with Cardiovascular and Other Diseases represent a special population group that might have distinct dietary issues. Cardiovascular diseases entail a spectrum of illnesses that involve the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and stroke (Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium, 2023). Patients with this kind of condition usually need to adapt their diets to achieve the best health outcome. Therefore, highlighting the complex interactions between diet and cardiovascular health, this population’s nutritional requirements are the key to maintaining the optimal health status status and minimizing the risks of coexisting conditions (Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium, 2023). Therefore, this report aims to compare a typical diet, as defined by the AMDRs set by the Harris-Benedict Calculator, with the diets that satisfy the needs of individuals affected by cardiovascular diseases. By comparison, three critical adjustments in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed to ensure optimal health are also highlighted. In this report, replacement foods will be suggested, and health problems for people with cardiovascular diseases will be discussed, in case the diet will not be adapted appropriately.

Comparative Analysis of “Typical” Diet vs Population Diet AMDRs

Many nutrition education examples interpret a “regular” diet with the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs) guidelines from tools such as the Harris-Benedict Calculator. However, these general dietary recommendations may not consider the specific nutritional requirements of people with Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). The mainstream diet, however, is likely to be adequate in macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and may not have the individual micronutrients essential for cardiovascular management (Storz & Ronco, 2023). For example, excessive sodium intake may occur in an average diet, and this can make hypertension worse and cause heart disease. Furthermore, as it is natural, the usual diet might have high levels of saturated and trans fats, which are known for their causative role in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, respectively.

However, the diet for people with CVD is not restricted and requires some modifications to either control or reduce the risk factors that threaten the heart. One of the significant adjustments is decreasing sodium intake to decrease blood pressure levels (Santos et al., 2020). The second adjustment is regulating saturated and trans fats to lower cholesterol and lower carbohydrates. Thirdly, this population can raise the intake of heart-friendly nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. These changes are meant to improve cardiac function, increase lipid levels, and reduce inflammation, ultimately leading to,, better heart health (Volek et al., 2021). Much more succinctly, when it comes to changing the diets of people who have CVD to one that is better suited for them, it is a question of quality, not just quantity. In this way, nutrient-rich whole foods will be preferred over processed options high in sodium.

3 Key adjustments to maintain optimal health

To attain optimal health, some key adjustments should be done. Notably, three key aspects of diet that individuals with CVD should consider are first prioritizing foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, increasing intake of fruits and vegetables and choosing whole grains over refined carbohydrates (Martinon et al., 2021). First, diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids are foods like fish such as salmon and mackerel. This diet has anti-inflammatory properties and has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of arrhythmias and atherosclerosis. Moreover, fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which facilitate management of blood pressure, maintenance of desirable cholesterol levels, and prevention of oxidative stress on the cardiovascular system (Franzago et al., 2020). Lastly, refined grains should be adjusted where this population needs to consume whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats, as they include heart-healthy fiber that helps in managing weight, suppresses hunger and maintains a healthy blood sugar level.

Description of food/nutrient replacement options

To describe the replacements further, using lean protein sources, such as skinless poultry, beans, and tofu instead of larger animal products with high saturated fats helps to cut down saturated fat intake and promotes healthy cardiovascular system (Franzago et al., 2020). Here, lean protein sources such as almonds, walnuts and chia seeds, which are nuts and seeds, possess nutrient-dense traits giving another choice to snacks with unhealthy fats and sugars. These replacements a