The Impact of Plant-Based Diets on Cardiovascular Health in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The global burden of cardiovascular diseases continues to be a major public health concern, with dietary factors playing a significant role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular conditions. Plant-based diets have gained popularity for their potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This thesis aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of plant-based diets on cardiovascular health in adults. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the topic, discussing the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of terms. The importance of understanding the relationship between plant-based diets and cardiovascular health is highlighted, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review, covering ten key aspects related to plant-based diets and cardiovascular health. The review synthesizes existing research findings, identifies gaps in the literature, and establishes the foundation for the subsequent empirical analysis. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology employed in this study. It includes detailed descriptions of the research design, data sources, inclusion and exclusion criteria, search strategy, data extraction process, quality assessment, and statistical analysis methods. This chapter provides transparency regarding the methods used to ensure the rigor and reliability of the findings. In Chapter 4, the results of the systematic review and meta-analysis are discussed in detail. The findings are presented systematically, addressing the impact of plant-based diets on various cardiovascular health outcomes such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and risk of cardiovascular events. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses are conducted to explore potential variations in the results. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications for clinical practice and public health, and highlighting areas for future research. The study contributes valuable insights into the role of plant-based diets in promoting cardiovascular health and provides evidence-based recommendations for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of literature on plant-based diets and cardiovascular health, emphasizing the importance of dietary interventions in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases. By synthesizing existing evidence and conducting a meta-analysis, this study provides a robust foundation for further research and informs strategies for promoting heart-healthy dietary patterns in adult populations.