Harini NB
Nutritionist,Almond Board of California, India
Title: Association between flavonoid intake and risk of cardio-vascular disease among post-menopausal women
Biography
Biography: Harini NB
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Flavonoid intake has been proven to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Post-menopausal women are at a higher risk of getting heart disease because of altered hormone levels. Good nutrition counseling associated with strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease can help subjects’ live longer, healthy life.
Aim: To study the association of cardiovascular disease risk with flavonoid intake, nutrient intake, BMI, lipid levels in post-menopausal women.
Materials & Methods: It was a prospective observational study which consisted of 100 post-menopausal subjects. Subjects were assessed of parameters like height, weight, BMI, total cholesterol, HDL, nutrient intake and flavonoid intake. They were also assessed using Framingham Risk Score sheet to find out the risk of developing heart disease in next ten years.
Results: Total cholesterol was highest and HDL was lowest in the high risk group which was found to be significant (p<0.001). The fat intake was observed to be 38.35±6.04 g, 46.67±10.19 g, 53.63±9.00 g in low, intermediate and high risk groups, respectively, which was also found to be highly significant (p<0.001). It is observed that intake of flavonoid was 306.07±14.92 g, 212.08±45.08 g and 229.65±64.01 g in low, intermediate and high risk category, respectively which was found to be highly significant (p<0.001). Negative correlation was found with flavonoids, HDL and the risk scores (p<0.001) which illustrates the proven fact that as flavonoid intake increases, risk for developing heart disease decreases.
Conclusion: High intake of flavonoids and low intake of fat seems to have less risk of cardiovascular disease, whereas value of high cholesterol and low HDL are considered as risk factors for developing CVD. It is mandatory for women beyond 40 years to be educated on lifestyle modification with more emphasis on reduction of fat and maintenance of appropriate body mass index and increased intake of flavonoids.