Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aims to examine the association between dietary patterns, the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and cardiovascular risk factors in adults aged 40-70 years in southern Iran. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants' dietary patterns were assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire with 35 food groups. Dietary patterns were categorized using Principal Component Analysis into three groups: Vegan, Western, and Carbohydrate-based. AIP was calculated as the log (triglycerides/HDL-C), and cardiovascular risk was assessed using a standard prediction model. Participants were classified based on their adherence to dietary patterns, and their cardiovascular risk was assessed. A total of 1,675 participants were included (mean age 53.4 ± 8.3 years; 43.5% men). The high AIP group had higher ASCVD risk scores (7.0 ± 7.7) compared to the low (3.9 ± 5.5) and intermediate-risk groups (3.9 ± 5.1). High adherence to the vegan diet was associated with lower AIP (0.41 ± 0.22) compared to low adherence (0.46 ± 0.23), with an adjusted β of -0.047 (95% CI, -0.072 to -0.021; P < 0.001). In contrast, neither Western (high: 0.45 ± 0.23 vs. low: 0.44 ± 0.23) nor carbohydrate-rich diets (high: 0.45 ± 0.23 vs. low: 0.44 ± 0.22) showed significant associations with AIP. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that high adherence to a vegan diet is beneficial for cardiovascular health, as evidenced by lower AIP, a marker of atherosclerosis risk. It highlights the potential role of dietary interventions in reducing cardiovascular risk, with a focus on plant-based diets for improving lipid profiles and heart health.