Índice de riesgo cardiovascular y nutrición adecuadaTo the Editor: We have appreciated some articles about cardiovascular risk factors published in Revista Médica de Chile and would like to address comments about the most recent, from Dr. Tomás Romero 1 . This author discussed the modifiable factors, with focus on the need of real improvement in the socioeconomic features involved in the actual epidemic of obesity. He analyses the actual conundrum linking diverse risk factors and the development of atherosclerosis, and proposes more advantageous risk-benefit and cost-effective measures. 1 Indeed, cardiovascular disease constitutes a major cause of death in the whole world; main risk factors are sedentary life, excess of weight, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia 1,2 . Several studies developed in South American countries emphasize the frequency of obesity and arterial hypertension among schoolchildren and young individuals 2-4 , and call the attention to a correlated increase in the frequency of cardiovascular disorders. Inadequate lifestyle, which includes non-balanced diets (high in salt, poor in fibers and in monounsaturated fats, and rich in cholesterol, saturated and trans fats), is a main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases 5,6 . The purpose of the present comments is to exemplify the favorable effect of a well-balanced diet in common disorders, which may affect South American patients of diverse age groups. A 68 year-old female with antecedent of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, coronary disease, arterial hypertension and autoimmune hepatitis, was admitted because of cholestasis. She was in use of NPH insulin, acetylsalicylic acid, spironolactone, furosemide, and diltiazem. Her previous diet was considered inadequate; although weight loss was obtained, she persisted with high cardiovascular risk index. Since one year ago, her physical activities became limited due to deterioration in the cardiac function. She denied tobacco smoking and alcoholism. Alimentary inquiry revealed usual low salt diet, low ingestion of regulator foods; and appropriate consumption of energy and bodybuilder foods. Physical examination showed jaundice; waist circumference: 88 cm; and BMI: 23.62 kg/m 2 ; other data were unremarkable. La-