Beyond Fats and Sugars: The Cardiac Cost of Low Protein

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While fat, sugar, and cholesterol are often blamed for heart disease, protein deficiency is a silent player that can weaken the heart from within. Proteins are vital for maintaining cardiac muscle structure, enzyme function, and vascular integrity. Inadequate protein intake, especially in undernourished populations, can lead to:
• Cardiac cachexia
• Hypoalbuminemia, causing edema and poor circulation
• Impaired repair mechanisms, making the heart vulnerable to ischemic damage
• Loss of vascular elasticity, increasing the risk of hypertension and atherosclerosis

In extreme cases, chronic protein deficiency may contribute to myocardial infarction, especially when coupled with other nutritional imbalances.

Protein Deficiency and Its Role in Myocardial Infarction: An Overlooked Risk???

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Good point! In India, diets are typically protein deficient. So, an increased awareness should be made in this regard.

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Protein deficiency can cause myocardial infarction especially in young individuals and certain protien deficiency can also cause blood clot which has high risk of individual

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Indian diet lacks protein to a great extent and I think that’s the cause for many bodily problems
A simple diet change towards protein rich diet among youngsters and not protein powder can bring a big change

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good points

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Excellent points! After all, the heart itself is a muscle that requires sustenance.

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Well explained, its time we give importance to protein aiming for a balanced meal. Awareness on how much protein certain food items have and how much our body needs would change the situation

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Nice information and thank you for pointing out our silent player Protein.

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Indian diet lack protein food in their daily meals ‘’ Great information . much needed awareness about protein in Indian diet .

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Fun fact guava is a good source of protein

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Due to protein deficient diets with no other source of protein, muscle walls of heart weakens and the heart starts to loose its vascular elasticity. Which can cause serious complications like atherosclerosis, heart failure, coronary artery disease, etc.

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Protein deficiency might cause MI. Both too little and too much protein cause many health problem. So, a balance diet is necessary to be healthy.

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Protein deficiency is an often overlooked factor that may contribute to the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Adequate protein is essential for repairing heart tissue, maintaining muscle strength, and supporting immune function. Deficiency can weaken the heart muscle, impair healing after injury, and increase inflammation, all of which can promote the development and severity of heart attacks. Although traditional risk factors like cholesterol and hypertension are well known, protein deficiency’s subtle impact on heart health deserves more attention in both research and clinical care.