Mediterranean diet protects against heart attacks and strokes in cardiovascular disorders

Consuming fruits, vegetables and fish can prevent heart disease
It has been known for a long time that diet can massively affect our health. Researchers have now shown that people with heart disease have a lower risk of developing heart attacks and strokes if they eat mostly Mediterranean foods.

Researchers from the Auckland City Hospital have now discovered in an investigation that the Mediterranean diet can protect against heart attacks and strokes if those affected previously had heart disease. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "European Heart Journal".

A Mediterranean diet can protect people with heart disease from heart attacks and strokes. So sufferers should eat more fish, fruits and vegetables to improve their health. (Image: katrinshine / fotolia.com)

Large international study examines more than 15,000 subjects
The large international study looked at more than 15,000 people from 39 countries to assess the potential benefits of consuming Mediterranean diets high in fruits, vegetables and fish, the researchers say. The physicians recognized that the Mediterranean diet can protect people with heart disease from developing heart attacks and strokes. For every one hundred people who eat a high proportion of healthy Mediterranean food, there were three heart attacks, strokes or fatalities fewer, the experts explain. A so-called western diet with fried foods, refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks, but does not increase the risk of such diseases, the doctors say. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that people with heart disease should not necessarily avoid unhealthy foods, but simply consume much larger amounts of healthy foods, the authors add.

Study examines effects of Mediterranean diet on people with heart disease
The key finding is that some foods, such as fruits and vegetables, seem to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, says study leader Professor Ralph Stewart from the Auckland City Hospital in New Zealand. This positive effect is not influenced by traditional risks such as bad cholesterol or blood pressure problems. By eating more healthy foods you could easily reduce your risk of heart disease, the professor adds. There have already been some public health guidelines that have indicated that a Mediterranean diet can prevent heart and circulatory disease. However, the scientists wanted to investigate the specific effects on people with existing heart disease, explains Prof. Stewart.

Study measures impact on a so-called MDS point scale
The 15,482 people in the study had an average age of 67 years. The subjects were asked to complete questionnaires about their diet. Thereafter, the information was classified in a scale, explain the doctors. This had a total range of 0 to 24 points. The researchers calculated both a Mediterranean nutritional value (MDS), as well as a score for consumed western (unhealthy) diet. After ruling out other factors that could influence the outcome, the researchers found that any increase in MDS was associated with a seven percent reduction in the risk of heart attack and stroke, say the experts. The results were consistent in all geographic regions involved in the study. The study only looked at people who already had heart disease. But most people are more interested in how they can generally avoid heart disease before they occur, the researchers add. (As)