CARDIONUTRITION WITH A FOCUS ON GERIATRIC PATIENTS

Abstract

The scientific work presents a theoretical analysis of scientific sources regarding the selected research issues. Physiological changes in the organism, acquired pathologies, socio-economic factors, physical difficulties and features of the chronic diseases coursing require a special model of nutrition for the elderly and remain unresolved nutritional problems in geriatrics. Nutritional support is extremely important in preventive geriatrics. Nutritional disorders are most often the cause of the development of serious pathological processes in the organism, among which cardiovascular diseases occupy the main place. Clinical studies have demonstrated the positive impact of healthy optimal nutrition and certain dietary approaches on reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Changing a person's diet can significantly improve the functional state of the organism, metabolism, and slow down the aging process. Therefore, assessing the effectiveness and cardioprotective properties of dietary patterns as a whole, rather than individual components, is becoming more relevant. In accordance with the aim of the study, modern cardioprotective dietary patterns were considered, namely the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean diet. It has been shown that the Mediterranean diet in geriatrics is an ideal eating style for older adults. It helps prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, improves cognitive function and overall quality of life, while maintaining bone, joint, and heart health in old age. It was recommended to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of different dietary patterns, rather than just determining the macronutrient composition of the diet. General nutritional recommendations were provided for cardiac and geriatric patients to reduce cardiac risk.