Background:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Food and nutrients have been linked to the promotion or prevention of CVD, but analyzing isolated dietary components generates partial results.

Objective:

To analyze the concept of dietary pattern (DP) as well as the scientific evidence about the relationship between different DP and promotion/protection of cardiovascular diseases.

Materials and Methods:

A search of the publications listed in the electronic databases Medline, Embase, Lilacs and SciELO, between 2000-2016 was performed. Articles containing keywords or a combination of them were included.

Results and Conclusions:

Regardless of geographic region, healthy, prudent or Mediterranean DP, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fish, were associated with a lower risk of CVD. Westernized or processed food DP, characterized by red and processed meats, refined grains, fried foods and sweets were correlated positively with risk of mortality from CVD, acute myocardial infarction, stroke and ischemic heart disease. DP analysis is a tool that can be used for formulating dietary recommendations based on food culture.

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