Nutrition

Diet Trial and Reduction in Heart Attacks

A heart healthy diet high
in apha-linolenic acid cut
the risk of heart attacks
by over 50%

A new dietary trial, the Indo-Mediterranean Diet Heart Study², is reporting similar positive results using a similar diet but also emphasizing whole grains. The study included 1000 patients in India with heart problems. Half followed an experimental diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts (particularly walnuts and almonds), and vegetable oils high in n-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid). The other half ate a control or local diet similar to the NCEP step 1 diet (low in total fat and cholesterol). Both groups were also encouraged to walk 2 miles daily.

After two years here is what they found. The n-3 fatty acid intake in the experimental group was more than twice that of the control group. The intervention group had a significant reduction (53%) in cardiac events and sudden cardiac death compared with the controls, even after controlling for BMI, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Both groups got similar amounts of exercise and 2/3 of both groups were vegetarians. In this study, researchers stressed a high intake of alpha-linolenic acid as the primary source of n-3 fatty acids in place of fish (as used in the Mediterranean diet) as most Indians prefer a meat-free diet.

The authors summarized by saying, "Over 2 years, a diet enriched with fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and soybean oil is associated with a pronounced decline in coronary artery disease morbidity and mortality." They also pointed out that this form of treatment is inexpensive and realistic for countries with many poor people such as India. The food for a whole day cost about $1.00 for each participant. This is far cheaper than cholesterol lowering medications, and the results were better in reducing coronary risk than in most medication studies.

This study illustrates two important concepts.

• A healthy lifestyle approach is a very practical and effective approach for preventing heart disease even in people with existing heart problems.
• A diet high in alpha-linolenic acid (an n-3 fatty acid) is very protective against heart disease and can have protective effects in addition to lowering cholesterol levels. The same can be said for whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

1. de Lorgeril MS, et al. Mediterranean diet, traditional risk factors, and the rate of cardiovascular complications -- Final report of the Lyon Diet Heart Study, Circulation 1999; 99:779-85
2. Singh RB, et al. Effect of an Indo-Mediterranean diet on progression of coronary artery disease, The Lancet Nov 9, 2002; 360:1455-61

Reference

1. Giovannucci Edward, et al, A prospective study of tomato products, lycopene, and prostate cancer, Journal of the National Cancer Institute; 94:391-398, March 6, 2002
2. Cohen JH et al, Fruit and vegetable intakes and prostate cancer risk, Journal of the National Cancer Institute; 92:61-68, Jan. 5, 2000
3. Hsing AW, et al, Allium vegetables and risk of prostate cancer, Journal of the National Cancer Institute; 94:1648-1651, Nov 6, 2002

Making Healthy Choices articles are written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES president of LifeLong Health with contributions from associated health professionals. Content is general health information from evidence based research. It's purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.

Copyrighted 2002 by PrevMedix LLC. All rights reserved. Do not make unauthorized copies.

Updated: 12/17/02