Project Definition:
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2013, heart disease was responsible for 611,105 deaths (Leading Causes of Death, 2015). There are many factors associated with an increased risk of heart disease including cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia (Teh et al., 2014). Genetics and diet both play a role in many of these risk factors. This study is going to focus particularly on hypertension, and how dark chocolate can decrease blood pressure.
Dark chocolate possesses flavonoids, which is a subclass of polyphenols. This molecule is composed of two aromatic rings bound by an oxygenated heterocycle …show more content…
Thiele, H.
(2010). Low vs. higher-dose dark chocolate and blood pressure in cardiovascular high-risk patients. American Journal Of Hypertension, 23(6), 694-700.
Grassi, D., Lippi, C., Necozione, S., Desideri, G., & Ferri, C. (2005). Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons. The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 81(3), 611-614.
Taubert, D., Roesen, R., Lehmann, C., Jung, N., & Schömig, E. (2007). Effects of low habitual cocoa intake on blood pressure and bioactive nitric oxide: a randomized controlled trial. Jama, 298(1), 49-60.
Teh, R. O., Kerse, N. M., Robinson, E. M., Doughty, R. N., & Whalley, G. A. (2014).
Which cardiovascular risk factors are associated with cardiovascular disease and predict future events in advanced age in New Zealand?. Australasian
Journal On Ageing, 33(1), 14-21 8p
Leading Causes of Death. (2015, September 30). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2013, heart disease was responsible for 611,105 deaths (Leading Causes of Death, 2015). There are many factors associated with an increased risk of heart disease including cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia (Teh et al., 2014). Genetics and diet both play a role in many of these risk factors. This study is going to focus particularly on hypertension, and how dark chocolate can decrease blood pressure.
Dark chocolate possesses flavonoids, which is a subclass of polyphenols. This molecule is composed of two aromatic rings bound by an oxygenated heterocycle …show more content…
Thiele, H.
(2010). Low vs. higher-dose dark chocolate and blood pressure in cardiovascular high-risk patients. American Journal Of Hypertension, 23(6), 694-700.
Grassi, D., Lippi, C., Necozione, S., Desideri, G., & Ferri, C. (2005). Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons. The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 81(3), 611-614.
Taubert, D., Roesen, R., Lehmann, C., Jung, N., & Schömig, E. (2007). Effects of low habitual cocoa intake on blood pressure and bioactive nitric oxide: a randomized controlled trial. Jama, 298(1), 49-60.
Teh, R. O., Kerse, N. M., Robinson, E. M., Doughty, R. N., & Whalley, G. A. (2014).
Which cardiovascular risk factors are associated with cardiovascular disease and predict future events in advanced age in New Zealand?. Australasian
Journal On Ageing, 33(1), 14-21 8p
Leading Causes of Death. (2015, September 30). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from