The research was led by Dr. Thomas Gaziano (Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School) and presented at WHF member the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology/Lifestyle 2016 Scientific Sessions in Phoenix, Arizona on 1 March.
The researchers developed a computer model that predicted the following could happen if a 10% drop in the price of fruits and vegetables were implemented:
• 1.2% reduction in death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) within five years and nearly 2% within 20 years
• 2.6% reduction in heart attacks and 4% in strokes within 20 years
The report also found that a 10% price increase on sugary drinks could reduce deaths from CVD by nearly 0.1% in five years and 0.12% in 20 years.
Taken together, these small price changes could prevent 515,000 deaths from CVD and nearly 675,000 heart attacks and strokes by 2035.
Read more in the Time article here.
