13 Apr Fewer Heart Attacks and Strokes After Trans-Fat Restriction Laws in New York
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Eric Brandt
Eric J. Brandt, MD
Yale University
Cardiovascular Disease Fellow
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: From previous studies we know that industrial trans fatty acid (trans fat) consumption is linked to elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. Even small amounts of consumption can be deleterious to cardiovascular health. In New York state, there were 11 counties that restricted the use of trans fatty acids in eateries. We compared hospitalization for heart attacks and stroke from 2002 through 2013 in counties that did and did not have restrictions.
Our study found that when comparing populations within New York state that restricted the use of trans fat, compared to those that did not, there was an associated additional decline beyond temporal trends for heart attacks and stroke events combined by 6.2%.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: In areas where trans fats were restricted, this was associated with there being less hospitalizations for cardiovascular events. Our results show the potential benefit of a more comprehensive restriction on the use of trans fats, including the FDA’s restriction on partially hydrogenated oils that starts in 2018.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: As a result of this study I think we should continue to evaluate public policies to understand the effect on the populations for which they are implemented. It will be interesting to see what can be observed after the FDA’s 2018 restriction.
No disclosures
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
More Medical Research Interviews on MedicalResearch.com
[wysija_form id=”5″]
Last Updated on April 13, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD