http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/168/7/713

Background  The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet
has been shown to lower blood pressure, but little is known about its
long-term effect on cardiovascular end points. Our objective was to
assess the association between a DASH-style diet adherence score and
risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke in women.

Methods  In this prospective cohort study, diet was assessed 7 times
during 24 years of follow-up (1980-2004) with validated food frequency
questionnaires. A DASH score based on 8 food and nutrient components
(fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy,
red and processed meats, sweetened beverages, and sodium) was
calculated. Lifestyle and medical information was collected biennially
with a questionnaire. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to
adjust for potential confounders. The study population comprised 88
517 female nurses aged 34 to 59 years without a history of
cardiovascular disease or diabetes in 1980. The main outcome measures
were the numbers of confirmed incident cases of nonfatal myocardial
infarction, CHD death, and stroke.

Results  We documented 2129 cases of incident nonfatal myocardial
infarction, 976 CHD deaths, and 3105 cases of stroke. After adjustment
for age, smoking, and other cardiovascular risk factors, the relative
risks of CHD across quintiles of the DASH score were 1.0, 0.99, 0.86,
0.87, and 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.85) (P < .001 for
trend). The magnitude of risk difference was similar for nonfatal
myocardial infarction and fatal CHD. The DASH score was also
significantly associated with lower risk of stroke (multivariate
relative risks across quintiles of the DASH score were 1.0, 0.92,
0.91, 0.89, and 0.82) (P = .002 for trend). Cross-sectional analysis
in a subgroup of women with blood samples showed that the DASH score
was significantly associated with lower plasma levels of C-reactive
protein (P = .008 for trend) and interleukin 6 (P = .04 for trend).

Conclusion  Adherence to the DASH-style diet is associated with a
lower risk of CHD and stroke among middle-aged women during 24 years
of follow-up.

*** end abstract ***

In our collective clinical experience, adherence to the DASH-style
diet is also associated with greater hunger.

Be hungry... be healthy... be hungrier... be healthier:

http://TheWellnessFoundation.com/BeHealthier

Prayerfully in the infinite power and might of the Holy Spirit,

Andrew <><
--
Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Lawful steward of http://EmoryCardiology.com
A latter-day disciple of the KING of kings and LORD of lords.
http://HeartMDPhD.com/HolySpirit/DiscipleNow