Dietary patterns and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in a global study of high-risk patients with stable coronary heart disease

This study (15,482) found that a one unit increase in Mediterranean diet score >12 was associated with lower Major Cardiac Adverse Events (MACE) (HR 0.95, 95%CI= 0.91-0.98). There was no association between Western diet score and MACE.

Mediterranean diet score was calculated for increasing consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, and alcohol, and for less meat.

Western diet score was calculated for increasing consumption of refined grains, sweets and deserts, sugared drinks, and deep fried foods.

 

The authors conclude that greater consumption of healthy foods may be more important for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease than avoidance of less healthy foods typical of Western diets.