Impact of a Plant-Based Diet on Indices of Cardiovascular Health in African Americans

The Impact of a Plant-Based Diet on Indices of Cardiovascular Health in African Americans: A Cross-Sectional Study

The role of diet in preventing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in African Americans, who have a much higher risk of developing these diseases, is not well understood. Therefore, this project will investigate whether African Americans following a 100% plant-based diet have more optimal blood pressure, vascular function, and blood lipid profiles, along with lower systemic inflammation relative to African Americans following a typical American diet.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-identify as African American/Black
• Self-reported adherence to either a typical American diet (not following a specific diet pattern) or 100% plant-based (vegan) diet
• Age 18-40

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of smoking within 2 years or being a current smoker
• Taking vasoactive medications
• Having overt cardiovascular, metabolic, or neurological disease
• Pregnant individuals