For people managing conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, the right diet could be a life-saver—literally. New research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25) highlights how a plant-based diet can significantly lower the risk of death for those with cardiometabolic disorders. Another study from the same conference finds that lifestyle factors impact women’s heart health more severely than men’s. Together, these findings paint a compelling picture: diet could be an especially powerful tool for women at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Why cardiometabolic disorders are a growing concern
Cardiometabolic disorders—an umbrella term for conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease—are on the rise. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight, with over 650 million classified as obese. Meanwhile, the International Diabetes Federation reports that 537 million people are living with diabetes, a number expected to climb to 643 million by 2030. Since these conditions dramatically increase the likelihood of heart disease and early death, finding solutions is more urgent than ever.
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The case for a plant-based diet
Research has long suggested that plant-based diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts support better heart health. Now, a study presented at the ACC.25 confirms that for those with cardiometabolic disorders, a well-balanced plant-based diet is even more critical.
“Among populations with cardiometabolic disorders, higher adherence to a healthful plant-based diet was significantly associated with a lower risk of total, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality,” said Zhangling Chen, MD, PhD, of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Changsha, China.
“More intake of healthy plant-based foods, less intake of unhealthy plant-based foods, and less intake of animal-based foods are all important.”
The study analyzed data from nearly 78,000 people with cardiometabolic disorders across the UK, US, and China. Researchers found that those who closely followed a healthy plant-based diet had a 17 to 24-percent lower risk of death from any cause, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. By contrast, participants who consumed more refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, and animal-based foods saw their risk of death increase by 28 to 36 percent.
How heart disease risk differs for women
While heart disease is often associated with men, the second study presented at ACC.25 suggests that lifestyle factors affect women’s heart health even more than men’s. Researchers analyzed data from over 175,000 Canadian adults with no prior history of heart disease, classifying them into three groups based on their overall health risk factors.
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“We found that women tend to have better health than men, but the impact on outcomes is different,” said Maneesh Sud, MD, PhD, an assistant professor at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. “The combination of these factors has a bigger impact in women than it does in men.”
Women with poor health profiles had nearly five times the risk of heart disease compared to those with ideal health. For men, that risk increased by just 2.5 times. Even those in the intermediate category, who had a mix of positive and negative health factors, saw greater risks if they were women.
The combined findings of these two studies suggest that diet is more than just a preventive measure—it’s a critical tool for those most at risk. Since women experience more severe consequences from poor lifestyle choices, making dietary changes could be particularly impactful.
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A plant-based diet offers benefits that directly counteract key cardiovascular risks. Lower blood pressure is one of the most significant advantages, as plant-based foods are rich in potassium and low in sodium, which helps regulate blood pressure levels. Better cholesterol levels are another key factor, as diets high in fiber and healthy fats from sources like nuts and seeds can help lower LDL cholesterol. Improved blood sugar control is another major benefit, with whole grains and legumes providing steady energy without spiking blood sugar, which is essential for those with diabetes. Plant-based diets are also rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that help reduce inflammation, a known contributor to heart disease.
For women, who face heightened cardiovascular risks, adopting a plant-forward approach may offer protection beyond what traditional heart disease prevention strategies provide.
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