Mediterranean Diet Reduces Atherosclerosis Progression in CHD patients: Study

In this study from the total participants, 939 completed IMT-CC evaluation at baseline and were randomized to follow a Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet with IMT-CC measurements at 5 and 7 years. The researchers also analyzed the carotid plaque number and height.

The results of the study are as follows:

• The Mediterranean diet decreased IMT-CC at 5, maintained at 7 years, compared to baseline.
• The low-fat diet did not modify IMT-CC. IMT-CC and carotid plaque max height were higher decreased after the Mediterranean diet, compared to the low-fat diet, throughout follow-up.
• Baseline IMT-CC had the strongest association with the changes in IMT-CC after the dietary intervention.

The researchers concluded that long-term consumption of a Mediterranean diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil, if compared to a low-fat diet, was associated with decreased atherosclerosis progression, as shown by reduced IMT-CC and carotid plaque height. And these findings reinforce the clinical benefits of the Mediterranean diet in the context of secondary cardiovascular prevention.

Reference:

Mediterranean Diet Reduces Atherosclerosis Progression in Coronary Heart Disease: An Analysis of the CORDIOPREV Randomized Controlled Trial by Jimenez-Torres J et. al published in the Stroke.

https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.033214