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BlogHealthVegan Diet And Cardiovascular Diseases

Vegan Diet And Cardiovascular Diseases

Written by: Barbara Beil
8 min 11th May 2023 8th Jun 2025

diet for cardiovascular diseases

Table of Contents

  • Did You Know…
  • Arteriosclerosis: The Clinical Picture
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Arteriosclerosis: Diagnosis
  • Arteriosclerosis: Causes
  • Arteriosclerosis: What Influence Do (Vegan) Diet and Lifestyle Have?
  • Arteriosclerosis – Vegan Diet: What Science Says
  • Treatment of Arteriosclerosis
  • Summary: Arteriosclerosis – a Vegan Diet for Heart and Vessels
  • Our Vegan Nutritionist Course

Arterosclerosis: Vegan Diet as therapy for cardiovascular disease?

It is the leading cause of death worldwide and, like diabetes, is closely linked to obesity and the metabolic syndrome: high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and excess body weight go hand in hand with the number one death sentence. The term cardiovascular disease is very broad, and you probably associate it immediately with the dreaded heart attack. But what exactly is arteriosclerosis? Is it a dietary or lifestyle disease? Can Arteriosclerosis be reversed? In this article, you will learn the scientific facts about this disease and the possible influences of a vegan diet.

Did You Know…

…that despite improved survival rates, heart disease is still the leading cause of death worldwide? Specifically, around 17.9 million people do not survive the consequences of cardiovascular disease each year (WHO, 2021).

Arteriosclerosis: The Clinical Picture

Before we get to the question of whether a vegan diet has an impact on the development and treatment of atherosclerosis, let’s take a closer look at its pathological appearance.

Arteriosclerosis is defined as a chronic degenerative disease of the arteries and is therefore a type of vascular disease. It is a collective term for pathological vascular changes caused by deposits of blood lipids, immune cells, connective tissue, calcium and other substances in the blood on the walls of the vessels. This plaque hardens and narrows the vessels, preventing blood from flowing freely. Strictly speaking, atherosclerosis is a subgroup that refers to changes in the innermost layer of the blood vessel walls. Colloquially, however, the term is often used interchangeably with arteriosclerosis.

Cardiovascular Diseases

In the long run, the narrowed vessel walls have devastating consequences because they impede natural blood flow. This is because all of your cells, tissues and organs need a constant supply of oxygen, energy and essential nutrients. When blood flow to certain areas of a cell is interrupted, the cell is at risk of atrophy.

In coronary artery disease, arteriosclerosis occurs in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. A classic example is angina pectoris, commonly known as chest tightness, which manifests itself as chest pain. In its more severe form, it can even lead to heart failure, heart attack, or even sudden cardiac death.

If the vasoconstriction affects peripheral arteries, it can lead to stroke, for example, as a result of vascular occlusion in the brain. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the result of circulatory disorders in the extremities, particularly the legs (Silbernagl and Lang, 2013). Thus, various parts of the body can suffer from plaque-constricted vessels.

Arteriosclerosis: Diagnosis

How does a physician diagnose this complex disease? Complex or multifactorial describes it very well, because the narrowed vessels with their devastating consequences should be examined from different angles.

Genetic predisposition is one factor that cannot be influenced and is increasingly being analyzed. In practical diagnostics, the doctor looks at family history. In addition, blood tests for lipids, especially cholesterol, give information about the risk of cardiovascular disease. Blood glucose levels are of interest as well, as diabetes mellitus is also associated with a high risk of vascular disease. Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine levels are two other parameters that, when elevated, are associated with an increased risk of disease. Blood pressure and weight or BMI are also important in assessing risk factors.

Imaging techniques such as angiography are available to provide medical evidence of the actual vascular deposits. This is a radiological examination of the arteries, usually in the form of a computed tomography scan.

Arteriosclerosis: Causes

arteriosklerose ernährung arteriosklerose rückgängig machenResponsible for dangerous vascular changes are, on the one hand, factors that can be influenced, and on the other hand, some factors that cannot be influenced. Genetic predisposition, gender and older age are the factors that cannot be influenced. By the way, men are affected much more often than women.

The other major cause of arteriosclerosis is diet and lifestyle. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise and the resulting overweight are reflected in blood lipid levels. In particular, increased LDL cholesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol and increased triglyceride levels correlate with the occurrence of vascular disease. Diabetes mellitus also leads to long-term damage to the blood vessels due to the undesirable reactions of sugar with other blood components. In addition, the risk factors of obesity, increased inflammation and high levels of homocysteine in the blood also play a role in vascular disease (Bagott and Tamura, 2015; Leitzmann and Keller, 2013).

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Arteriosclerosis: What Influence Do (Vegan) Diet and Lifestyle Have?

So how can arteriosclerosis be influenced by diet and lifestyle? Evidence suggests that low fruit and vegetable intake, regular alcohol consumption, and especially high consumption of saturated and trans fatty acids and foods with a high glycemic index are dietary risk factors (Mente et al., 2009; Satija and Hu, 2018). Dietary cholesterol may also have negative effects at very high consumption levels, although the influence is not clearly understood (Carson et al., 2020).

Simply put, all of these unfavorable fat components are more likely to be found in foods of animal origin and highly processed products, and in small amounts in whole-food vegan diets. Some vegans like to use coconut oil. The saturated fatty acids it contains appear to have less of a positive effect on the blood lipid profile than oils with more unsaturated fatty acids, but less of a negative effect than, for example, butter (Vijayakumar et al., 2016; Eyres et al., 2016).

The counterparts to the “bad fat” are mainly omega-3 fatty acids. As anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic nutrients they can have a very beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels, both by lowering undesirably high LDL cholesterol and excessive triglyceride levels and by counteracting the inflammatory process on the vessel walls. According to current knowledge, a high intake of 4 g per day of a specific form of EPA seems to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system after a myocardial infarction (Elagizi et al., 2021). More research is needed on the preventive effects, but there is evidence that they are also beneficial (Innes and Calder, 2020). Irrespective of cardiovascular risk, it may be recommendable for other health-related reasons to supplement a vegan diet with DHA and EPA, or to use an oil with those, as they are not otherwise taken in.

High levels of fiber and a high nutrient density in the diet support the elimination of excess cholesterol. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables provide both. In addition, the phytochemicals found in plant foods have anti-inflammatory, metabolic-regulating, antioxidant, and many other valuable properties.Pflanzliche Proteine kombinieren

Nuts and soy, in particular, have been shown to have very effective effects on the cardiovascular system. In the case of soy, the effect is mainly attributed to the phytoestrogens (Luo et al., 2014; Sacks et al., 2006).

Table 1 shows individual food and nutrient groups that are recommended and should be avoided with regard to the risk of vascular disease. The importance of diet and lifestyle in arteriosclerosis also includes physical activity, nicotine abstinence, and stress reduction (Mozzafarian et al., 2008; van der Kooy et al., 2013; Huxley and Woodward, 2011).

Recommended Limit
Omega-3-Fatty Acids:
linseed(oil), hempseed(oil), walnut(oil), algae oil
Saturated Fatty Acids:
products of animal origin,
coconut oil, palmoil
Fruit and Vegetable Trans-Fatty Acids:
processed products, convenience meals
Whole Grains/-Products Dietary Cholesterol:
products of animal origin
Nuts
Soy(-products):
minimally processed

Arteriosclerosis – Vegan Diet: What Science Says

The fact that diet and lifestyle play a major role in arteriosclerosis is also confirmed by a large number of scientific studies.

There are correlations between the blood lipid profile and the diet of different groups of people. In short, a plant-based, whole-food diet can reduce the development of cardiovascular disease. Studies indicate that people on vegetarian and vegan diets have lower total LDL cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and thus lower risk of coronary heart disease (Kahleova et al., 2018; Harland and Garton, 2016; McEvoy et al., 2012). There is also a negative relationship between cardiovascular risk and the amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains consumed. That is, the lower the intake of these foods, the higher the risk of disease (Aune et al., 2016).

An analysis of more than 100 studies in this context shows that elevated LDL cholesterol levels and excessive triglyceride levels can be reduced by 10–15 % on a vegetarian diet and by as much as 15–25 % on a purely vegan diet (Ferdowsian and Barnard, 2009).

But can arteriosclerosis be reversed? Again, scientific literature provides an answer. Ornish and colleagues (1998) were able to show that a lifestyle change can visibly reduce existing vascular narrowing. After one year, there were demonstrable improvements, and after 5 years, these results increased again. The control group did not change their lifestyle and their cardiovascular condition worsened. A plant-based, low-fat diet (10 % of energy intake) was the basis of this change, along with exercise, tobacco cessation, stress management and psychosocial support. Other studies have also shown that existing coronary heart disease can be improved by a plant-based diet (Kahleova et al., 2018).

Treatment of Arteriosclerosis

Treatment focuses on blood lipid levels, which are a very clear indicator of other cardiovascular diseases. In particular, LDL cholesterol is closely monitored by the doctor. Depending on the patient’s disease state, the goal is to achieve a certain blood lipid level. Table 2 shows the target levels for blood lipids. These targets should be achieved primarily through dietary and lifestyle changes. If this therapeutic approach is unsuccessful, lipid-lowering drugs are used as a drug therapy.

Table 2: Recommended Blood Lipid Targets for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (Mach et al., 2020)

Target Level
(mg/dl)
Cholesterol < 200
LDL-Cholesterol
– very high CVD risk
– high risk
– moderate risk
– low risk
< 55
< 70
< 100
< 116
Non-HDL-Cholesterol
– very high risk
– high risk
– moderate risk
< 85
< 100
< 130
Apo B
– very high risk
– high risk
– moderate risk
< 65
< 80
< 100
Triglycerides (as risk parameter) < 150

Summary: Arteriosclerosis – a Vegan Diet for Heart and Vessels

In many cases, the precursors of obesity, hypertension or even diabetes lead to arteriosclerosis. If left untreated, arteriosclerosis increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The high number of deaths due to vascular disease is a call to intervene in this frightening process.

As many scientific studies have shown, diet and lifestyle play an important role in arteriosclerosis. Minimally processed plant foods and moderate fat consumption can have not only a preventive effect, but even a therapeutic one, reversing arteriosclerosis. Fats should be consumed not only in moderation, but also selectively, that means quality before quantity. Foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3, are particularly beneficial for the cardiovascular system. The same goes for minimally processed soy products such as beans or tofu, and of course whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Veganism can therefore potentially have a positive effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease – if the above mentioned food groups, and the nutrients they contain, are consumed in sufficient quantities.

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Literature

Aune D., Keum N., Giovannucci E., Fadnes L.T., Boffetta P., Greenwood D.C., Tonstad S., Vatten L.J., Riboli E., Norat T. Whole grain consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all cause and cause specific mortality: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. BMJ (2016). Vol. 353: i2716.

Baggott J.E., Tamura T. Homocysteine, Iron and Cardiovascular Disease: A Hypothesis. Nutrients (2015). Vol. 7: 1108–1118.

Carson, J.A.S., Lichtenstein, A.H., Anderson, C.A.M., Appel, L.J., Kris-Etherton, P.M., Meyer, K.A., Petersen, K., Polonsky, T., Van Horn, L., and American Heart Association Nutrition Committee of the Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease; and Stroke Council (2020). Dietary Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association. Circulation 141, e39–e53. 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000743.

Chiva-Blanch G., Arranz S., Lamuela-Raventos R.M., Estruch R. Effects of Wine, Alcohol and Polyphenols on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Evidences from Human Studies. Alcohol Alcohol (2013). Vol. 48, 270–277.

Elagizi A, Lavie CJ, O’Keefe E, Marshall K, O’Keefe JH, Milani RV. An Update on Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health. Nutrients. 2021;13(1):204. doi:10.3390/nu13010204
Eyres, L., Eyres, M.F., Chisholm, A., and Brown, R.C. (2016). Coconut oil consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in humans. Nutr Rev 74, 267–280. 10.1093/nutrit/nuw002.

Ferdowsian H., Barnard N.D. Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Plasma Lipids. The American Journal of Cardiology (2009). Vol. 104: 947-956.

Harland J., Garton L. An update of the evidence relating to plant- based diets and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and overweight. Nutr Bull (2016). Vol. 41: 323–338.

Innes JK, Calder PC. Marine Omega-3 (N-3) Fatty Acids for Cardiovascular Health: An Update for 2020. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(4):1362. doi:10.3390/ijms21041362
Kahleova H, Levin S, Barnard ND. Vegetarian Dietary Patterns and Cardiovascular Disease. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2018;61(1):54-61. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2018.05.002

Leitzmann C., Keller M. Vegetarische Ernährung. UTB (2013), 3. Auflage

Ko D.T., Alter D.A., Guo H., Koh M., Lau G., Austin P.C., Booth G.L., Hogg W., Jackevicius C.A., Lee D.S., et al. High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Cause-Specific Mortality in Individuals Without Previous Cardiovascular Conditions: The CANHEART Study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2016). Vol. 68: 2073–2083.

Luo C., Zhang Y., Ding Y., Shan Z., Chen S., Yu M., Hu F.B., Lui L. Nut consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2014). Vol. 100(1): 256-269.

McEvoy C.T. Temple N., Woodside J.V. Vegetarian diets, low-meat diets and health: a review. Public Health Nutrition (2012). Vol. 15(12): 2287–2294

McFarland, L.V. (2014). Use of probiotics to correct dysbiosis of normal microbiota following disease or disruptive events: a systematic review. BMJ Open 4, e005047.

Mente, A., de Koning, L., Shannon, H.S., and Anand, S.S. (2009). A systematic review of the evidence supporting a causal link between dietary factors and coronary heart disease. Arch Intern Med 169, 659–669. 10.1001/archinternmed.2009.38.

Ornish D., Scherwitz L.W., Billings J.H., Gould K.L., Merritt T.A., Sparler S., Armstrong W.T., Ports T.A., Kirkeeide R.L., Hogeboom C., et al. Intensive Lifestyle Changes for Reversal of Coronary Heart Disease . JAMA (1998). Vol. 280: 2001–2007.

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Sacks F.M., Lichtenstein A., Horn L.V., Harris W., Kris-Etherton P., Winston M. Soy Protein, Isoflavones, and Cardiovascular Health. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (2006). Vol. 26: 1689–1692.

Satija A, Hu FB. Plant-based diets and cardiovascular health. Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2018;28(7):437-441. doi:10.1016/j.tcm.2018.02.004

Silbernagl S., Lang F. Taschenatlas Pathophysiologie. Thieme (2013), 4. Auflage.

Vijayakumar M., Vasudevan D.M., Sundaram K.R., Krishnan S., Vaidyanathan K., Nandakumar S., Chandrasekhar R., Mathew N. A randomized study of coconut oil versus sunflower oil on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with stable coronary heart disease. Indian Heart Journal (2016). Vol. 68: 498–506.

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Medical Disclaimer and Other Notes
Medical Disclaimer

Like any science, medicine and related disciplines are subject to constant development. Research and clinical experience expand our knowledge, especially with regard to treatment and therapy. Insofar as a recommendation, dosage, application, etc. is mentioned in the information provided, you may trust that we have taken great care to ensure that this information corresponds to the state of knowledge at the time of completion of the work. However, no guarantee or liability can be assumed for such information. You are required to check them carefully yourself and act on your own responsibility. Furthermore, our recommendations and advice are in no way intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in the case of an existing illness - it is not a therapy. You should therefore never use the information we provide as your sole source for making health-related decisions. In case of complaints, medical advice should be sought in any case.

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About Barbara Beil

After earning her Bachelor's degree in Ecotrophology, Barbara went on to earn her Master's degree in Nutritional Sciences. She is fascinated by the complexity of nutrition and her favorite subject is sports nutrition. As a lecturer at ecodemy, she provides students with sound information and support on all aspects of a healthy, plant-based diet and also writes a large part of our articles.

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Medical Disclaimer

Like any science, medicine and related disciplines are subject to constant development. Research and clinical experience expand our knowledge, especially with regard to treatment and therapy. Insofar as a recommendation, dosage, application, etc. is mentioned in the information provided, you may trust that we have taken great care to ensure that this information corresponds to the state of knowledge at the time of completion of the work. However, no guarantee or liability can be assumed for such information. You are required to check them carefully yourself and act on your own responsibility. Furthermore, our recommendations and advice are in no way intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in the case of an existing illness - it is not a therapy. You should therefore never use the information we provide as your sole source for making health-related decisions. In case of complaints, medical advice should be sought in any case.