The Impact of Plant-Based Diets on Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Factors

Every year, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) kills the most individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, the foundation for the disease starts early on in life. However, healthful plant-based diets can help reduce the risk of ASCVD (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, erectile dysfunction), and its risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity). The components (macronutrients and micronutrients) of whole-food plant-based diets modulate inflammation and promote a healthy microbiome, among other benefits. Based on the current literature, the authors propose consuming a whole-food plant-based diet (in conjunction with other healthful lifestyle habits) to decrease the risk of ASCVD and its risk factors.