(September 3, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

Following the diet known as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, can help individuals with high blood pressure reduce their risk of having a heart attack, according to research published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

The DASH diet:

•    Is rich in fruits, vegetables, low fat or nonfat dairy.

•    Also includes grains, especially whole grains; lean meats such as fish and poultry; and nuts and beans.

•    Is low in fats, red meat, sweets, and sugar-containing beverages

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine randomly assigned over 400 individuals with high blood pressure who were not taking blood pressure lowering medication to follow one of three diet plans. The first was a typical American diet, which was low in minerals and high in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol. The second was a similar diet with the addition of more fruits and vegetables. The third was the DASH diet.

The average 10-year risk for having a coronary event such as a heart attack was just under 1% for all participants. This diminished during the study period in all three groups, but the greatest reduction was seen among those on the DASH diet. These participants reduced their risk by 18% more than those on the American diet and by 11% more than those on the increased fruits and vegetables diet. This reduction was primarily due to drops in blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

Today’s research suggests that follow the DASH diet is a good way for those at increased risk for coronary disease to reduce this risk, especially if they have high blood pressure.