Following a Mediterranean diet can significantly lower the risk of heart failure.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights the significant impact of the Mediterranean diet on reducing the risk of heart failure (HF), particularly among women. Rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods, this diet may offer a promising strategy for heart health at a time when rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart failure are skyrocketing.
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally, contributing to numerous hospitalizations and spikes in healthcare costs. Heart failure, a prevalent form of CVD, poses serious health risks, with around 50% of diagnosed patients surviving only five years post-diagnosis. The disease’s prevalence escalates with age, affecting nearly 20% of individuals over 80 years old.
The Mediterranean diet, characterized by a high intake of monounsaturated fats from olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced mortality rates and lower cardiovascular risks. Prior research has suggested that this diet may play a role in HF prevention, but evidence has been somewhat limited. Previous studies showed mixed results regarding its effectiveness in lowering HF risk.
In the current study, researchers systematically reviewed existing literature to assess the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and heart failure risk among European adults. They searched databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for relevant cohort studies conducted up until May 2023. After screening 682 publications, the researchers included six prospective studies comprising nine independent cohorts, which involved a total of 216,385 participants who did not have heart failure at the beginning of the studies. The study group mostly consisted of females, accounting for 54.7% of participants, with a mean follow-up period of 11 years.
The analysis revealed that 6,978 participants developed heart failure over the course of the study, equating to a cumulative incidence of 3%. The results demonstrated a clear association between increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a significantly lower risk of heart failure, with a risk ratio of 0.940, indicating that a one-point increase in the Mediterranean diet score corresponded with reduced heart failure risk. This association was notably stronger in women, suggesting that they may experience greater cardiovascular benefits compared to men.
Researchers speculate that hormonal differences may contribute to this disparity, as women often benefit more from the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties inherent in the Mediterranean diet. Inflammation and oxidative stress are critical factors in the development of heart failure, and the diet’s ability to lower levels of specific inflammatory markers, such as TNF-α, may play a protective role. Additionally, polyphenols found in olive oil and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may help alleviate oxidative stress, further supporting cardiovascular health.
From these initial findings, the team concluded that following a Mediterranean diet could be a simple way to combat heart disease and reduce the risk of one of the deadliest diseases in the world. Follow up studies might help to further affirm their conclusions.
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Mediterranean diet significantly lowers heart failure risk, especially in women
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