Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body, affecting millions of people in the United States. Lifestyle choices, including diet, can impact a person’s risk of heart failure, prompting researchers to explore factors that could protect against this condition. A study found that higher adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods and limits sugar and animal products, was associated with a reduced risk of heart failure. Prevention plays a crucial role in managing heart failure, and dietary changes are being considered as a potential intervention to decrease the number of cases.
Individuals with heart failure may experience limitations in performing daily activities, frequent hospitalizations, and even death. Various risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle, can increase the likelihood of developing heart failure. Managing the condition may involve lifestyle modifications, medications, and dietary changes, including weight loss, alcohol restriction, and low salt intake. The substantial economic burden of treating heart failure underscores the importance of prevention efforts to promote healthier communities and individuals.
A Swedish cohort study involving over 23,000 participants investigated the impact of adherence to the EAT-Lancet dietary index on heart failure risk. The study excluded individuals with a history of heart-related events, stroke, previous heart failure, or cancer at baseline, allowing for a detailed examination of long-term health outcomes. Participants were categorized into five groups based on their adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet, with researchers finding an inverse relationship between adherence to the diet and heart failure risk. Eating more fruits and unsaturated oils, as well as moderate dairy intake, was associated with a lower risk of heart failure compared to high dairy consumption.
The EAT-Lancet diet focuses on plant-based foods while allowing for limited consumption of animal products, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, nuts, and unsaturated oils. It aims to reduce intake of sugar, meat, poultry, and dairy, known to impact heart health. The study revealed a positive association between adherence to the diet and a reduced risk of heart failure. Fruit intake and unsaturated oil consumption were particularly beneficial, offering essential nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats that promote heart health. The study’s findings underscore the importance of a balanced diet in preventing heart failure and maintaining overall cardiovascular wellness.
While the study had limitations, such as relying on one baseline dietary measurement and predominantly white participants, its results highlight the potential benefits of a plant-based diet in reducing the risk of heart failure. Future research should explore additional plasma proteins related to the EAT-Lancet diet and include diverse populations to validate these findings. As healthcare providers work with patients to implement heart-healthy diets, promoting uptake of these dietary practices in the general population remains a key focus for improving cardiovascular outcomes. By emphasizing the importance of healthy food choices, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of developing heart failure and maintain optimal heart function.
