Use of the DASH Diet and Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

Initial dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet feeding trials showed blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects that corresponded to higher degrees of concordance with the diet. These results popularized the idea that adherence to a DASH diet could reduce coronary artery disease (CAD) risk for patients. Recent evidence shows that the impact of DASH on CAD incidence and risk is less clear. While many studies show that the DASH diet impacts CAD risk factors, others suggest that these effects do not remain when important confounders are controlled. Also, the evidence from meta-analyses that the DASH diet impacts incident CAD is still inconclusive. Reassessment of the DASH diet, and the search for an ideal diet to prevent CAD will require a better understanding of the mechanisms through which the DASH diet works. Proposed mechanisms for its benefit include preventing inflammation and atherosclerosis progression as well as providing a heathy balance of dietary sodium and potassium intake.