Heart failure is a significant health issue associated with mortality and high healthcare costs, with a prevalence growing around the world and currently affecting 1% to 3% of the population. European researchers have found that adhering to the Mediterranean diet may help lower the risk of heart failure, particularly for women, who may have distinct risks for the condition that following a Mediterranean diet could help mitigate. Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot circulate blood as it should, although it does not mean that the heart stops beating. Currently, a heart transplant is the only known cure for heart failure, but people can manage the condition with medications, medical procedures, or lifestyle adjustments.
Globally, an estimated 64 million people have heart failure, with around 6.7 million adults over 20 years in the United States living with the condition. By 2030, experts predict that 8.7 million people in the U.S. will have heart failure. A group of European scientists believes that interventions aimed at preventing heart failure may help lower incidence rates while improving survival and hospitalization rates. In a review of 682 publications, they found evidence linking adherence to the Mediterranean diet with decreased heart failure risk, particularly in women. The researchers analyzed data on adults without a history of heart failure at baseline, with 54.7% of women in the studied European population.
The Mediterranean diet, representing traditional dietary eating patterns in countries around the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizes fresh foods like vegetables, fruits, and fish to incorporate high amounts of these items. The diet offers benefits for heart health due to its healthier fat intake, which can help manage insulin resistance and inflammation that may slow the progression of heart failure. Heart failure symptoms in women are often atypical or nonspecific, resulting from conditions like uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes. Additionally, hormonal risk factors may arise due to menopause or pregnancy, leading to a higher risk of heart problems in women. It is important for women to undergo cardiac examinations for symptoms like shortness of breath, especially with little activity, which can be an early sign of heart failure.
The reviewed studies highlighted the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet against heart failure, attributing this to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can reduce complications leading to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and heart failure. The diet may also help lower lipids, protect against oxidative stress, and reduce heart failure biomarkers. Women may benefit more from the Mediterranean diet due to its ability to address their specific nutritional needs and manage insulin resistance and inflammation. The researchers acknowledged limitations in their work, including the observational nature of the studies, potential for bias, and lack of causality. Generalizing the results across all populations may also be challenging, given the variations in Mediterranean diet practices across different regions and changing adherence rates over time.
Heart failure testing is recommended for individuals with risk factors such as high lipoprotein(a), family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Symptoms of heart failure, such as worsening shortness of breath, difficulty breathing while laying down, or swelling of legs, warrant screening by trained medical professionals. Early cardiac examinations are advised for individuals with symptoms like fatigue, as they may indicate heart failure at any age, including in younger individuals in their 20s. It is crucial for individuals at risk of heart failure to undergo regular monitoring and seek appropriate medical attention if symptoms or risk factors emerge.
