In a study from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, scientists found a higher intake of refined grains was linked to an increased risk of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD), while eating whole grains was linked to reduced risk.
Previous studies have reported an association between different types of grain intake with the risk of coronary artery disease.
PCAD refers to atherosclerotic narrowing of coronary arteries in males under 55 years old or in females under 65 years old.
It is often asymptomatic early in the course of the disease but may lead to chest pain (angina) and/or heart attack with the progressive development of narrowing (stenosis) or plaque rupture of the arterial wall.
Risk factors for PCAD include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
The team says a diet that includes consuming a high amount of unhealthy and refined grains can be considered similar to consuming a diet containing a lot of unhealthy sugars and oils.
Whole grains are defined as containing the entire grain, while refined grains have been milled—ground into flour or meal—to improve shelf life but they lose important nutrients in the process.
In the study, the team tested 2099 individuals with PCAD from hospitals. In total, 1,168 patients with normal coronary arteries were included in the control group, while 1,369 patients had CAD.
The team found a higher intake of refined grains was linked to an increased risk of PCAD, while whole grain intake was inversely related to a reduced risk of PCAD.
They say as more studies demonstrate an increase in refined grains consumption globally, as well as the impact on overall health, it is important that scientists find ways to encourage and educate people on the benefits of whole grain consumption.
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The study was conducted by Mohammad Amin Khajavi Gaskarei et al and presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Middle East 2022.
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