New research finds 10% drop in price of fruit and vegetables could prevent 515,000 heart-related deaths

WHF External Agency department March 2, 2016

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.