fig5

Figure 5. Nutrition and dietary patterns to improve cardiovascular function with aging. Select nutrients and dietary patterns have been shown to target manifestations of age-related cardiovascular dysfunction. It is well established that caloric (dietary) restriction and sodium restriction increase endothelial function and lower large elastic artery stiffness and blood pressure. Specific dietary patterns, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean diets, have been shown to improve blood pressure, but more studies need to be conducted to assess the effects of these dietary patterns in improving overall cardiovascular function in midlife/older adults. Recent evidence points to high soluble fiber as a possible nutrient in conferring vascular benefits. Subsequently, specific nutrient modulation of high fiber diets may be an effective and safe dietary pattern to improve overall vascular function in midlife/older adults.