Associations between High Protein Intake and Cardiovascular Diseases by Age Groups: A Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Nutritional Science
• Gerontology

Background:

• Conflicting evidence exists regarding the link between high protein intake and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
• The influence of age on the association between high protein diets and CVD risk has been understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between high protein diet and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
• To examine the interactive role of age in the relationship between high protein intake and CVD risk.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the UK Biobank (2007-2023), including participants with dietary questionnaires and no prior chronic diseases.
• Defined high-protein diet as protein intake ≥1.8 g·kg^-1·day^-1.
• Employed Cox regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses to assess outcomes.

Main Results:

• High protein intake was associated with an increased risk of MACE (HR=1.21, P=0.027) and all-cause mortality (HR=1.39, P<0.001).
• In participants over 55, high protein intake significantly increased MACE risk (HR=1.36, P=0.001).
• No significant association was observed in participants younger than 55 (HR=0.75, P=0.099), with a significant interaction effect of age (P_interaction=0.003).

Conclusions:

• Higher protein intake is linked to increased MACE incidence in individuals over 55 years old.
• The association between high protein intake and MACE risk is not significant in individuals younger than 55.
• Age is a significant factor modifying the relationship between high protein diet and cardiovascular risk.