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

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.