Caloric restriction (CR), a dietary approach that reduces calorie intake without causing malnutrition, has been shown to delay aging and extend lifespan in animals like invertebrates and rodents. Since cardiovascular disease and stroke are leading causes of death in older adults, using CR to slow down atherosclerosis could potentially improve cardiovascular health and increase human longevity. This review explores whether caloric restriction impacts the risk of cardiovascular disease in the aged population. Studies on CR in humans, often focused on obese individuals undergoing short-term calorie reduction for weight loss, have revealed significant improvements in key cardiovascular risk factors. These include reductions in blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic), cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and insulin levels. Interestingly, CR has shown similar benefits for non-obese individuals, improving systemic risk factors associated with atherosclerosis. In summary, evidence suggests that caloric restriction can promote better health and potentially extend lifespan by positively influencing cardiovascular risk factors. However, more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects on cardiovascular health, especially in older adults who are at higher risk for heart disease.
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