C. Tissa Kappagoda, MBBS, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, CA, USA.
Dianne A. Hyson, RD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Consumer Sciences, California State University of Sacramento, CA, USA.

This paper examines the potential impact of some popular diets on cardiovascular risk factors in aging populations. The compositions of these diets are compared against the broader recommendations of the Food and Nutrition Board and the American Heart Association. The Atkins and South Beach diets have been advanced as components of weight loss programs, while the Mediterranean type of diet has been promoted as being especially beneficial to those who are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. When viewed against the recommendations of the Food and Nutrition Board, it is apparent that these diets are unlikely to meet the special nutritional needs of the older population.
Key words: Atkins, South Beach, Mediterranean diet, nutrition, coronary artery disease.

Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, PhD, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece.
Christos E. Pitsavo, MD, PhD, FESC, FACC, First Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Greece.

The beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet on human health has been advocated since the Renaissance. There are now several scientific evidences that relate this traditional dietary pattern with the incidence of coronary heart disease, various types of cancer and other diseases. However, only in the past few years have several observational and clinical studies suggested mechanisms by which this traditional diet may affect coronary risk. This review underlines the importance of the Mediterranean dietary pattern in the primary prevention of coronary heart disease.
Key words: Mediterranean diet, risk, coronary heart disease.