Those who adhere to a heart healthy diet were found to have a 14 to 21% lower risk of cardiovascular disease*
“Find a heart healthy diet you can stick with and reduce that risk,”
Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance
Heart healthy diet is first step. Sticking to it is vital.
New research finds that people who adhered most to healthy eating patterns have a 14% to 21% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. That compares to those individuals who adhered least to a heart healthy diet.
Researchers led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health focused on dietary scores for four healthy eating patterns. They included the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015). The Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (AMED). Plus the Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index (HPDI) and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI).
The scientists noted that each emphasizes a higher intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts. Plus the dietary regimens include lower intakes of red and processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages..
Using the dietary data on nearly 200,000 individuals the researchers created four dietary scores for each participant. A higher dietary score represented greater adherence to healthy eating patterns. They adjusted for factors including age, body mass and smoking status.
The analysis of the decades long studies found important results. Greater adherence to any of the healthy eating patterns was consistently associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Individuals who adhered most to healthy eating patterns had a 14% to 21% lower risk of CVD. These were study participants in the top quartile. That compared to those who adhered least (in the bottom quartile of the scores).
One heart attack every 40 seconds, one stroke every 40 seconds
“Find a heart healthy diet you can stick with and reduce that risk,” says Jesse Slome. Slome is director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. The organization focuses on advocacy and education pertaining to heart attack, strokes and cancer. These are the three major critical illnesses that impact millions of Americans each year. ”Greater adherence to any of the four healthy eating patterns will lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The health benefits persisted across racial and ethnic groups.”
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- Source Medical Express News
- Photo: Image by Jerzy Górecki from Pixabay
