Abstract 13676: Association of Plant-centered Diet Intake With Cardiovascular Disease and All-cause Mortality: Findings From the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study

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Introduction: There is growing data regarding the potential for plant-centered diets to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. However, additional investigation is needed to strengthen and address inconsistencies in the existing evidence base. We examined the association between cumulative consumption of a plant-centered diet and a shift toward a more plant-centered diet and onset of CVD and all-cause mortality. Hypothesis: Nutritionally-rich plant-centered diets will be related to decreased risk of CVD and mortality. Methods: We included 4,926 black and white men and women from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort, ages 18-30 years and free of CVD at baseline (1985-1986, exam year [Y0]) and followed until 2018. Diet was assessed through an interviewer-administered diet history at Y0, Y7, and Y20. A Priori Diet Quality Score (APDQS) was used to assess plant-centered diet quality, and high index scores were characterized by higher consumption of nutritionally-rich plant foods with limited consumption of meats and less healthful plant foods. Proportional hazards regression estimated the association of time-varying APDQS, which were cumulatively averaged over follow-up and 13-year change in APDQS (Y7-Y20) with CVD and all-cause mortality. The model was adjusted for sociodemographic factors, energy intake, parental history of CVD, smoking, and physical activity. Results: We documented 289 new CVD cases and 445 all-cause deaths during the median 32-years of follow up. In multivariable analysis, the highest quintile of cumulative APDQS was associated with a 52% lower risk of CVD (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28-0.81) compared with the lowest quintile of cumulative APDQS. Increased APDQS over 13 years was related to a 62% lower subsequent 12-year risk of CVD (95% CI: 0.18-0.78) when comparing extreme quintiles. The association for all-cause mortality was only apparent among high educational groups. Conclusions: Following a plant-centered, high-quality diet staring from young adulthood was associated with a lower risk of developing CVD and death by middle age. Our findings support the concept that a plant-centered diet may help prevent early CVD and death.