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High-Fiber Diet Increases Survival Rate in Patients with Heart Diseases: Study

Heart Attack Survivors can ward off Death Risk by Eating Fiber-Rich Foods
(Photo : Flickr) Heart Attack Survivors can ward off Death Risk by Eating Fiber-Rich Foods

Patients with heart diseases can improve their lifespan by increasing daily intake of fiber, according to a study.

Eating food made from whole grains, oats, brown rice, bulgur and whole corn meal not only helps manage weight but also helps avoid the development of cardiovascular diseases and prevents disease progression in high risk individuals. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston found individuals who survived heart attack have 25 percent lesser chances of dying by following a diet rich in fiber content.  Eating 10 grams daily helps ward of the death risk by 15 percent.

For the study, experts analyzed data from past two trials and inspected records of the participants' medical history and lifestyle habits.  They identified nearly 2258 women and 1840 men who previously had a heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI) and followed them for nine years. These participants were further divided in five groups based on their fiber consumption.

A total of 682 women and 451 men died during the entire study period.

It was observed that subjects who consumed high amounts of fiber (29 grams for women and 37 grams for men) in form of breakfast cereals had increased chances of survival, even nine years after having a heart attack compared to those who ate fiber in less quantity.

The authors explained that patients with heart diseases are more susceptible to dying from strokes, heart attack and coronary heart diseases than healthy people. They urge people who have a history of heart conditions to simultaneously practice healthy lifestyle and eating habits to increase life expectancy.  

"Future research on lifestyle changes post-MI should focus on a combination of lifestyle changes and how they may further reduce mortality rates beyond what is achievable by medical management alone," researchers said.

The American Heart Association recommends daily fiber intake of 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. This target can be achieved by eating six to eight servings of grains and eight to 10 helpings of fruits and vegetables. The study reports less than 5 percent of Americans consume less than 25 grams every day.

Low-fiber diet can cause problems in the digestive system like constipation, inflammation of colon and growth of tumors in the digestive tract.

More information is available online in the British Medical Journal.

Apr 30, 2014 06:38 AM EDT

Provided By British Medical Journal
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