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Dietary adherence may reduce genetic risks of developing heart disease
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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People with a genetic predisposition to heart disease may be able to reduce their risk by eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, Canadian scientists say.
A group of scientists from McMaster and McGill universities set out to study the connection between hereditary predisposition to heart disease and lifestyle. The researchers studied one of the most significant markers of genetic risk – the 9p21 region on chromosome 9.
"We knew that certain modifications in the 9p21 region contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. But we were pleasantly surprised that a balanced diet can significantly reduce their impact," said project leader Engert.
Scientists analyzed data from 27,000 people, comparing genetic risk and diet. It turned out that people who had risky 9p21 regions and at the same time adhered to a healthy diet with a predominance of fresh vegetables, fruits and berries had the same risk of developing heart disease as those who did not have a genetic risk.
“We confirmed our assumptions that the influence of a high-risk genotype can be mitigated by a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
Scientists do not yet know how these factors interact with each other, so further research is needed to identify the mechanism by which diet reduces genetic risk.
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