The Protective Role of Phytochemicals in Cardiovascular Disease

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in the world. Coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of CVD, is characterized by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. With time, CAD weakens the heart muscle resulting in heart failure (HF). The focus of CVD prevention is on lifestyle changes and management of health conditions including HTN, while treatment may also include medications, procedures or surgeries, and cardiac rehabilitation. One of the major lifestyle recommendations is to increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. They are not only rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber but also in phytochemicals which are secondary plant metabolites produced in response to environmental stress. Polyphenols and glucosinolates are examples of phytochemicals that have been shown to have cardioprotective effects. In this chapter, we will review epidemiological, clinical, and mechanistic evidence supporting the protective role of polyphenols and glucosinolates in HTN, CAD, and HF.