Statement Highlights:
In a new statement on diet and heart health, the American Heart Association presents 10 key features of a heart-healthy eating pattern that can help reduce heart disease and stroke risk at all stages of life.
The new statement emphasizes an overall dietary pattern to support cardiovascular health and general wellbeing that accommodates personal preferences, ethnic and religious practices, and life stages.
For the first time, the Association summarizes evidence that addresses sustainability, noting that heart-healthy eating patterns are also good for the environment.
Also for the first time, the statement enumerates several challenges including societal factors that make it more difficult to adopt or maintain a heart-healthy eating pattern and suggests public health measures to address these challenges, including early introduction of food and nutrition education at all school levels.
Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT / 5 a.m. ET Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021