National health policies have urged the idenfitication of preventative lifestyle interventions to lower the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in adult American women. We used cluster analysis applied to food frequency questionnarie data to examine relationships between dietary patterns and independent assessments of heart disease risk in 1828 women in the Framingham Offspring/Spouse Study between 1984-88. Five unique subgroups of women were identified with distinctive dietary patterns, varying levels of compliance with expert dietary guidelines, and differing CVD risk factor profiles, including predicted 10-year risks for developing coronary heart disease (CHD). Dietary patterns ranged along a continuum, from a low-fat, nutrient-dense "Heart Healthy" eating pattern to a higher-fat, less nutritious "Empty Calorie" pattern. Women with the highest probability of developing CHD (10-30% higher than other groups) had an "Empty Calorie" dietary pattern. Women with a "High Fat" dietary pattern also had a less favorable CVD risk profile. The "Wine and Moderate Eating" pattern was associated with relatively higher rates of obesity and hypertension. Women with a "Light Eating" pattern had generally lower CVD risk factor levels. Those with a "Heart Healthy" diet had the lowest serum total cholesterol level and smoking rate with lower overall CHD risk. These findings can directly inform the development of health communication strategies and population-based preventive programs which target distinct population segments of women and focus on their unique health, lifestyle, and nutritional profiles.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe relationships observed between dietary patterns and heart disease risk factors in women 2. Identify dietary behaviors that warrent targeted intervention 3. Articulate implications for health communications and health promotion activities
Keywords: Women, Heart Disease
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.