07/02/2026
MIND Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Heart Failure and Arrhythmias, New Study Finds
A new study published in BMC Medicine reports that adherence to the MIND diet—a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet—is associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias.
The MIND diet was originally designed to protect brain health and delay neurodegenerative conditions. However, this large population-based study suggests its benefits extend well beyond the brain and into the heart’s electrical and pumping systems. Researchers found that individuals who closely followed the MIND dietary pattern had a notably reduced incidence of heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms compared to those with lower adherence.
The diet emphasizes regular intake of leafy green vegetables, other vegetables, berries, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish, olive oil, and moderate amounts of poultry, while limiting red meat, butter, cheese, sweets, and fried or fast foods. These foods are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, fiber, and heart-friendly fats, which may collectively support vascular health and cardiac function.
According to the researchers, the findings highlight the potential of dietary strategies as a low-cost, accessible approach to cardiovascular disease prevention. While previous evidence strongly linked the MIND diet to cognitive health, this study strengthens the case for its role in reducing major cardiac outcomes, especially heart failure and arrhythmias.
The authors note that further clinical trials are needed to confirm causality, but the results reinforce existing recommendations that plant-forward, nutrient-dense diets can play a central role in long-term heart health.
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