At the KAHN CENTER, we offer patients education on the research basis of recommending plant-based diets for heart disease prevention and, even, reversal. The curriculum starts in the 1950's and keeps on adding new information
A new study has analyzed diet patterns and deaths due to ischemic heart disease (IHD) like heart attacks, the leading cause of death worldwide.
This is important as dietary risk factors are the most significant modifiable factor.
Using the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2023, the authors estimated the mortality and disability-adjusted life years from diet-related IHD across 204 countries.
In 2023, a suboptimal diet was responsible for 4.1 million IHD deaths and 96.8 million IHD disability-adjusted life years.
Among dietary factors, low intake of nuts and seeds, low whole grains, low fruits and high sodium were primary contributors to IHD deaths.
The burden was particularly pronounced in low- and middle-sociodemographic index countries. By disentangling dietary risk factors, the authors identified the portion of IHD burden directly modifiable through food interventions.
This large study drawn from data around the world, is consistent with many other studies indicating that whole plant foods overall, and specific ones like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fruits may have a protective role against heart attacks and IHD overall.
It is surprising that low vegetable intake did not make the top of the list. There is so much controversy online about whole grains and fruits that it is refreshing to see them ranked so high.
At the KAHN CENTER, we will continue to teach a plant forward or exclusive diet for the avoidance of ischemic heart disease, along with blood pressure, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. The recent Americah Heart Association guidelines for diet are consistent with these recommendations.
