The role of nutrition in cardiovascular protection - personalized versus universal dietary strategies

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and dietary strategies play a key role in its prevention and management. While universal dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean and DASH diets are supported by evidence in numerous populations, including healthy individuals, personalized nutrition offers the potential to optimize outcomes in patients with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or after acute coronary syndrome. This review explores the balance between evidence-based universal recommendations and the feasibility and added value of personalized interventions across the CVD risk continuum. The integration of both approaches universal as a foundation and personalization where clinically indicated, gradually with increased CVD risk, may potentially provide the most effective, scalable model for nutritional cardiovascular protection.