Diets that contain higher levels of plant proteins appear to lower blood pressure (BP), while greater consumption of animal proteins may not. The purpose of this study was to determine if intake of amino acids that vary by food source influence BP in patients at high cardiovascular risk.
The Heart Institute of Spokane Diet Intervention and Evaluation Trial (THIS DIET) Study
Participants in THIS DIET Study are survivors of a first myocardial infarction (heart attack). The primary goal of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two eating styles that have been shown to lower cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) risks. These two eating styles are the American Heart Association Step II diet and a modified version of the Mediterranean diet. This study will evaluate the effect of each eating style on reducing the occurrence of second heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications (for example, need for surgery or balloon angioplasty, heart failure, chest pain, and death).
This study will also explore the effects of both diets on blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure control, control of diabetes, need for medication, multiple risk factors, and quality of life. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the two eating styles. They are asked to adhere to the specified eating pattern for a period of two years.