(October 22, 2007 - Insidermedicine) Men who eat whole grain breakfast cereals can reduce their risk of heart failure by 30%, say experts in a report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

It is estimated that one in five men and women aged 40 will experience heart failure during their lifetime. Studies have suggested that a higher consumption of grain products may confer a lower risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, and mortality.

Updated guidelines for managing heart failure recommend:
•    The use of beta blockers in all stable patients with heart failure and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, unless contraindicated
•    Implantable defibrillators for heart failure patients with left ventricular ejection fractions less than 31%
•    Cardiac resynchronization therapy for patients with ejection fractions 35% or less who also have wide QRS complexes
•    The usse of aldosterone antagonists in patients with heart failure, as long as kidney function is reasonably normal and potassium balance is not a problem.

To investigate the role of whole grain cereals in heart failure prevention, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School studied more than 21,000 men who were participating in the Physician’s Health Study I. Cereal intake was estimated using a questionnaire and the incidence of heart failure assessed by yearly questionnaires over a 20 year period.

Those who ate seven or more servings of whole grain cereal per week had a 30% lower risk for heart failure. It is thought that whole grain cereals contain ingredients that help combat heart failure risk factors. For example, nutrients such as potassium have been shown to reduce hypertension, and other ingredients may lower blood cholesterol, and slow digestion which may help to control body weight.

Physicians should encourage all of their patients, especially those with heart failure risk factors, to eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; cut down on salt and saturated foods; limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks, and maintain a healthy weight.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.