People with decreased micronutrient intake have a significantly higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, heart failure (HF) and all-cause mortality according to new data presented today at the World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) Scientific Sessions in Beijing, China.

Decreased micronutrient intake was associated with a 1.4 times higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in White Americans, 1.3 times higher in African Americans and 1.6 times higher in Mexican Americans.

"This study is the first to demonstrate that multiple micronutrients have significant predicting effects on the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality among White Americans and minority populations," said Dr. Longjian Liu, MD, PhD, FAHA, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, USA. "These data suggest that people should ensure that they are maintaining healthy micronutrient levels to help reduce their future risk of CVD."

Micronutrients are involved in the homeostatic regulation of overarching process intimately involved in cardiovascular physiological functions. Inflammation is recognized as a major etiology determinant of multiple disease status including CHD, stroke, HF and cardiovascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the influence of micronutrients upon the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality is related to oxidative-reductive and inflammatory pathways.

Data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-1996) and its mortality follow-up file (Dec 31, 2000) was analyzed to test the hypothesis. A total of 9,450 participants aged 45 and older, including White Americans, African Americans and Mexican Americans were studied.

Source
World Heart Federation