ВJN: High-fat foods may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke at a young age

Researchers from the University of Exeter, the University of Bristol (both in the UK) and the University of Eastern Finland have found that the abuse of high-fat, sweet and calorific foods in childhood leads to increased stiffness (rigidity) of the arteries, which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack at a young age. The results of the study are published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

In the first phase of the study, scientists analysed the dietary habits and overall diet quality of more than 4,700 volunteers aged seven years and older. Once the participants reached the age of 17, the researchers assessed the stiffness of their arteries by measuring their pulse wave. This is a wave of expansion of an elastic vessel under the impetus of the heart ejecting blood into it.

The results showed that participants who consumed more fatty, sugary and calorific foods as children had more stiff arteries than those whose diet included enough vegetables, fruit, cereals, fish and legumes. Consumption of anti-inflammatory plant foods (berries, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and spices) at age 10 years additionally led to a reduction in arterial stiffness.

Scientists explained that arterial stiffness acts as one of the key provocateurs of heart attack and stroke. The process of gradual hardening of arterial walls and increased risk of cardiovascular disease is part of the natural aging process. However, improper diet, as the study showed, can be detrimental to health already at a young age.

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