222888 Influence of vegetarian diet vs. non-vegetarian diet on incident stroke: A retrospective multi-hospital study

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Lauren Heim, MPH(c) , School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Lisandra Perez, MD, MPH(c) , Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Loma Linda University- School of Public Health, Colton, CA
Atif Adam, MBBS, PhD(c) , School of Public Health, Loma Linda Univeristy, Loma Linda, CA
A. Dean Sherzai, MD, MAS , Director of Memory Disorders Clinic, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Study Objective: The aim of this study is to identify specific modifiable dietary risk factors that influence stroke among vegetarian and non-vegetarian subjects within the Adventist Health Study (AHS) cohort.

Background: The elderly population of the US is anticipated to double from 35 million today to more than 70 million by 2030. With this dramatic rise in the aging population, it is important to identify effective preventative measures to address chronic diseases of concern such as stroke. Stroke poses a great economic burden on patients, their families, and our healthcare system. It is well known that diet is a key modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases, and there is evidence that specific diets may reduce the risk or slow the progression of chronic disease.

Methods: Retrospective data will be collected from available medical records of male and female elderly patients at Loma Linda Medical Center (LLMC) and hospitals within a 30 mile radius of LLMC. The data will include patient demographics, treatments codes, mortality incidence, laboratory values, imaging data, and dietary history. Subjects will then be matched in the AHS cohort and stratified by dietary lifestyle (vegetarian or non-vegetarian).

Discussion: The findings will have important implications for the future implementation of effective management protocols for the potential prevention of stroke. Recommendations for future stroke management protocols center on diet modification associated with lifestyle management.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Epidemiology

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the relationship between nutritional risk factors and stroke among a vegetarian versus non-vegetarian diet. 2. Determine relationships between mortality risk and specific nutritional factors.

Keywords: Nutrition, Strokes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am completing a masters in public health degree and I am currently conducting nutrition and epidemiological related research in the area of neurology and chronic diseases.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.