# The distribution of incidence rates of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly and the relationship between dietary patterns and cardiovascular risk

## TL;DR

This study explores how diet affects cardiovascular disease risk in the elderly, finding that plant-based diets reduce risk while high meat and alcohol intake increase it.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific dietary patterns linked to cardiovascular risk in elderly populations using a large-scale retrospective analysis.

## Key findings

- Ischemic heart disease was most prevalent among elderly patients, with higher incidence in males.
- Higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, and fish correlated with reduced CVD risk.
- High-risk groups showed poorer cardiometabolic markers and higher consumption of energy, saturated fats, and cholesterol.

## Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. This study investigates the distribution of CVD incidence among older adults and examines the relationship between dietary patterns and associated risks.

A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 2,568 patients aged 65 and older hospitalized between 2022 and 2024. Out of these, 298 patients were selected based on specific inclusion criteria for cardiovascular risk assessment using the China-PAR model. Participants were stratified into low-risk and high-risk groups for CVD based on a 5% threshold. Detailed dietary intake was assessed using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for biochemical markers. Statistical analyses including logistic regression were applied to examine dietary influences on CVD risk.

Ischemic heart disease was most prevalent (37.83%) among the elderly, with increased incidence in males. Higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, and fish correlated with reduced CVD risk. Conversely, consumptions of meat, edible oil, and alcohol were associated with heightened risk. The high-risk group exhibited poorer markers of cardiometabolic health and increased intake of energy, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and cholesterol. Metabolite analyses revealed elevated trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and secondary bile acids in high-risk individuals.

Higher age and male gender were associated with increased CVD risk, exacerbated by specific dietary patterns. Diets rich in plant-based foods and low in animal products and alcohol effectively reduced CVD risk factors. These findings underscore the potential of dietary interventions to improve cardiovascular health in the elderly.