New Research Suggests Protein and Heart Failure Link

It has long been believed that a diet high in protein is beneficial to overall health. Patients have been urged to fill their diets with food like lean chicken and beans. Researchers from Brown University Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island presented new findings at the American Heart Association’s annual scientific conference. Researchers found that high-protein diets can actually lead to negative effects for older women. ReactDx, leaders in wearable cardiac monitoring, share these new findings with you.

Between 1998 to 1993, the study collected data from over 100,000 women between the ages of 50 to 79. The women reported what they were eating and the researchers used biomarker data, a more reliable research method, to identify the women’s actual protein intake. During this period, none of the participants had heart failure, but the study followed them through 2005. By then, around 1,700 participants had heart failure.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Muhamad Barbour, explained that, “by increasing the total dietary protein intake, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of heart failure.” The risk of heart failure nearly doubled. The source of protein in a diet also has consequences. The study reports that women who ate more protein through the intake of vegetables were at a lower risk of heart failure. Dr. Barbour hypothesized that this is possible because animal proteins can turn into toxic substances in the body which impacts the left ventricle of the heart. Additionally, it is possible that women who ate more vegetables led healthier lifestyles in general.

This new research needs to be developed further through replication of results in order to prove its viability. In the meantime, there are a number of ways to establish eating habits that support heart health:

  • Eat more whole grains: Whole grains are better than refined grains because they provide additional fiber and nutrients. Increase whole grain consumption by integrating whole grain bread, high-fiber cereal, and oatmeal into your diet.
  • Avoid unhealthy fat: You can optimize your health by avoiding trans and saturated fats often found in butter and margarine. It is relatively easy to find low-fat options in the grocery store.
  • Control portion size: Not overeating is one of the easiest ways to support a good diet. Don’t eat until you are stuffed. Limit the intake of calorie-filled food, but allow yourself to eat more low-calorie items.
  • Manage sodium intake: An excess of sodium can increase high blood pressure, which in turn, increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Reduce intake by limiting the salt you add to your food and by looking for convenient meal options that a low-sodium.

Women with heart-healthy eating concerns should take note of this new research which suggests the link between a high-protein diet and increased risk of heart failure, but further research needs to be conducted. ReactDx, leaders in wearable cardiac monitor technology, shares heart-healthy news on our blog. For more information about cardiac monitoring, contact ReactDx today.

Jodi is a seasoned Human Resources professional who thrives on change and transformation. She fell in love with Human Resources when she attended Penn State University for graduate school in Public Administration with a curriculum that emphasized Human Resources. After earning her Master’s degree she began her career in the manufacturing industry in Talent Acquisition and was eventually assigned the overall HR Management responsibility of three divisions which included collective bargaining. Ultimately, she made her way to transitioning a new division of a Fortune 100 company under the corporate model as well as developing and executing Human Resources policies and procedures across a broad range of functional disciplines. At the next juncture of her career, she was tapped on the shoulder by former Executives that she previously worked with to join in on an exciting start-up. Today, Jodi is the Vice President of Talent Relations and Development for Medicomp Inc dba ReactDx and is responsible for managing the strategic Human Resources function which includes mergers and acquisitions for this rapidly expanding company.

Jodi and her husband enjoy landscaping, finding new restaurants and traveling whenever life gives them the opportunity.

    *This form is intended for sales inquiries/information only. Do not include any patient health information (PHI) with your submission.

    On: all lights. Off: no light. Monitoring - Good: green light. Symptom press: green light, sound. Check Pendant: blue light. Check Battery: red light, sound.
    Do: wear always, fully insert in cradle, turn off to charge, dry, key near handset, return promptly. Don't: discard pendant, submerge, move patch