Abstract 024: Effects Of Diet On 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Using The Pooled Cohort Equations Risk Calculator: Results From The Dash Trial

Abstract

Background: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is known to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, but its effects on 10-year CVD risk based on the pooled cohort estimating equation has not been reported. Objective: To determine the effects of adopting the DASH diet on 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk compared to a typical American (control) diet or a diet rich fruit and vegetables (F/V), but otherwise similar to control. Methods: The DASH trial was a 3-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled feeding trial of 459 adults aged 22 to 75 years without CVD and not taking anti-hypertensive or diabetes medications. These participants were randomized to a control diet, a F/V diet, or the DASH diet for 8 weeks. Weight was kept constant. Blood pressure (BP) and lipids were measured at baseline and at 8-weeks to compare 10-year ASCVD risk scores across dietary assignments. Comparisons were performed via linear regression adjusted for baseline ASCVD risk score. Results: The mean age of participants was 45 years; 49% were women, 60% were black, and 10% were current smokers. Mean systolic BP was 131.3±10.8 mm Hg, mean LDL cholesterol was 121±32 mg/dL, and mean HDL cholesterol was 48±14 mg/dL. Both DASH and F/V diets shifted the distribution of ASCVD risk scores downward compared to the control diet ( Figure, Panel A ). Compared to the control diet, the DASH and F/V diets reduced 10-year ASCVD risk by 10.0% (95% CI: -17.7, -1.5; P = 0.02) and 11.7% (95% CI: -19.3, -3.3; P = 0.007) respectively ( Figure, Panel B ). There was no difference between the DASH and F/V diets (-1.9%; 95% CI: -10.3, 7.4; P = 0.68). Conclusions: Compared to the control diet, the DASH and F/V diets reduced 10-year ASCVD risk, while the DASH and F/V had similar effects.