Non-Pharmacological Strategies in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Integration

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, driven by complex interactions among dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and gut microbiome-derived metabolites. This review synthesizes mechanistic and clinical evidence on non-pharmacological strategies that modulate these pathways and contribute to ASCVD risk reduction. Dietary patterns such as Mediterranean, DASH, and plant-based diets improve lipid metabolism, attenuate inflammation, and enhance endothelial function. Chrononutrition approaches, including time-restricted feeding and structured fasting protocols, influence circadian regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis. Circadian misalignment—including irregular sleep timing, shift work, and disrupted feeding–fasting cycles—independently contributes to ASCVD through impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Modulation of the gut microbiome, particularly through increased short-chain fatty acid production and reduced TMAO formation, provides additional cardiometabolic benefits. Key nutraceuticals—phytosterols, omega-3 fatty acids, and berberine—demonstrate clinically meaningful effects through micellar competition, inflammation-resolving lipid mediators, and AMPK activation, respectively. When combined with evidence-based pharmacotherapy, these interventions exert synergistic effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. This integrative biomedical framework highlights the importance of combining lifestyle, metabolic, microbiome-targeted, and nutraceutical strategies for comprehensive ASCVD prevention.