Heart failure is a serious health issue associated with high mortality rates and significant healthcare costs. It is estimated to affect 1% to 3% of the population globally and is a growing concern worldwide. A group of European researchers has found that following a Mediterranean diet may help lower the risk of heart failure, particularly in women. Heart failure, also known as systolic congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle weakens, leading to ineffective circulation of blood. While heart failure does not mean the heart stops beating, it requires medical attention and management through medications, medical procedures, or lifestyle changes. Currently, a heart transplant is the only known cure for heart failure.
Global estimates suggest that around 64 million people live with heart failure, with approximately 6.7 million adults in the United States affected. By 2030, experts project that this number will increase to 8.7 million in the U.S. In an effort to reduce heart failure incidence and improve survival rates, European scientists reviewed 682 publications linking the Mediterranean diet to a lower risk of heart failure. Their analysis found a strong association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of heart failure, particularly among women. The researchers focused on six prospective studies involving over 200,000 adults in Europe, with women representing more than half of the study population.
The Mediterranean diet is characterized by high consumption of fresh foods, including vegetables, fruits, and fish. It has long been recognized as a heart-healthy diet due to its emphasis on healthy fats. The diet’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are believed to help lower inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which are underlying factors in heart failure. The authors of the review also suggest that the Mediterranean diet may address specific nutritional needs of women, such as managing insulin resistance and inflammation, which could slow the progression of heart failure. Women may be more susceptible to heart failure due to hormonal differences, heart size, and patterns of heart remodeling, as well as risks related to pregnancy and menopause.
While the Mediterranean diet has shown promise in reducing heart failure risk, the review authors acknowledge certain limitations in their analysis. The observational nature of the studies reviewed can introduce bias, and the results may not be generalizable to all populations due to the geographic specificity of the studies. Additionally, changes in Mediterranean diet adherence over time were not accounted for in some studies, and the data analyzed covered a period up to 2013, potentially impacting the relevance of the findings. Despite these limitations, the researchers confirm the importance of following the Mediterranean diet in preventing cardiovascular disease, though further research is needed to establish causality and mechanisms of action.
In terms of testing for heart failure, experts recommend screening individuals with risk factors such as high lipoprotein(a), a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or known heart disease. Symptoms of heart failure can be subtle, and individuals experiencing worsening shortness of breath, difficulty breathing while lying down, or swelling of the legs should seek medical evaluation. Cardiac examination is crucial for anyone experiencing fatigue, especially with minimal exertion, as fatigue is a common symptom of heart failure. Age is not a determining factor, as heart failure can affect individuals of all ages, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention for better outcomes.
