New research finds that people who adhered most to healthy eating patterns have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).  The findings were shared today by the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

"This important new research found that individuals who adhered most to healthy eating patterns had a 14% to 21% lower risk, of CVD," notes Jesse Slome, director of the critical illness insurance advocacy group.

Researchers led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health focused on dietary scores for four healthy eating patterns. They included the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015). The Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (AMED). Plus the Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index (HPDI) and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI).

The scientists noted that each of the diets emphasizes a higher intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts. Plus the dietary regimens include lower intakes of red and processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages..

Using the dietary data on nearly 200,000 individuals the researchers created four dietary scores for each participant. A higher dietary score represented greater adherence to healthy eating patterns. They adjusted for factors including age, body mass and smoking status.

The analysis of the decades long studies found important results, Slome adds.  "Greater adherence to any of the healthy eating patterns was consistently associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)."  Individuals who adhered most to healthy eating patterns had a 14% to 21% lower risk of CVD. These were study participants in the top quartile. That compared to those who adhered least (in the bottom quartile of the scores).

"Find a heart healthy diet you can stick with and reduce your risk," says the critical illness insurance expert.   "It's so important because every 40 seconds another American has a heart attack.  And one more has a stroke."

The organization focuses on advocacy and education pertaining to heart attack, strokes and cancer. These are the three major critical illnesses that impact millions of Americans each year. "

Cost of heart attack ages and cost data can be found on the Association's website.  AACII advocates for the importance of planning and supports insurance professionals who market critical illness insurance products.  Visit the Association's website at www.criticalillnessinsuranceinfo.org or call 818-597-3205 to learn more.