In January 2018 researchers from Brazil published their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the association between different dietary patterns on the risk of heart failure. Several dietary patterns have proved to be effective. A total of 14 studies were included in the review and included studies involving the Mediterranean, dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH), vegetarian, and paleolithic diets. Results showed that the Mediterranean and DASH diets were associated with a reduced the risk of heart failure. It was also noted that those individuals not adhering to the Mediterranean or DASH diets appeared to experience a worsening of cardiac function. However, it should be noted that the quality of evidence was assessed to be low.
Sanches Machado d’Almeida K et al. Mediterranean Diet and Other Dietary Patterns in Primary Prevention of Heart Failure and Changes in Cardiac Function Markers: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2018 Jan 10;10(1). pii: E58