Which dietary approaches are included as part of treatments for cardiovascular disease in older adults?

• A. DASH diet, MED diet
• B. No dietary changes are recommended
• C. Lipid-focused dietary changes are clearly beneficial
• D. Sodium restriction is never needed

Answer: (A)

Dietary patterns that address multiple cardiovascular risk factors are central to managing cardiovascular disease in older adults. The DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet are two well-supported approaches for this population. The DASH pattern focuses on plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy, lean proteins, and limited saturated fat and sodium, which reliably lowers blood pressure and improves vascular health. The Mediterranean pattern emphasizes olive oil as the main fat, abundant plant foods, fish, whole grains, legumes, and moderate amounts of dairy and red wine, and it is associated with fewer cardiovascular events and better lipid and inflammatory profiles. Together, they offer broad benefits for heart health and can be adapted to individual needs and preferences in older adults.

The other options misstate the guidance. Not making any dietary changes ignores strong evidence that diet impacts heart outcomes; sodium restriction is often recommended for hypertension and certain heart conditions in older adults; and focusing only on lipid changes misses the advantage of whole dietary patterns that influence multiple risk factors beyond just lipids.