Role of a Whole Plant-Based Diet in a Patient's Journey to Healthy Living: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: A plant-based diet is associated with lower cardiovascular disease and mortality incidence. This article reports a case of a post coronary artery bypass graft, morbidly obese, uncontrolled diabetic patient who was able to reduce weight, reduce blood pressure medications, and come off insulin with a strictly plant-based diet.

Case report: A 61-year-old man was seen in follow-up post coronary artery bypass grafting. He had a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, morbid obesity, coronary artery disease post-stenting in 2000, and heart failure preserved ejection fraction. Post-discharge, he felt tired, had gained 7 lb with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 10% on high-dose insulin, and had uncontrolled hypertension on amlodipine, bumetanide, and carvedilol. He was started on a strictly plant-based diet. He was compliant on subsequent visits. At six months follow-up, he had excellent blood pressure and glucose control. He was able to come off amlodipine, bumetanide, and insulin completely. He lost 70 lb and was more active.

Discussion: A plant-based diet effectively reduces obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and heart disease. Epidemiological studies have shown lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality with a plant-based diet.

Conclusion: A whole food, plant-based diet should be recommended to prevent and control cardiovascular risk factors and overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.