UCRH director, Professor Vicki Flood contributed to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in Heart that found compelling evidence that adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and total mortality among women.
The study involved a comprehensive analysis of sixteen prospective cohort studies comprising a total of over 72,000 female participants spanning from 2003 to 2021.
Key findings from the study revealed that women with higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet experienced:
- lower incidence of cardiovascular disease
- reduced risk of total mortality
- decreased risk of coronary heart disease
These findings highlight the importance of dietary habits in primary prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases, particularly among women. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and olive oil, has long been recognized for its potential health benefits. This study supports a beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet on primary prevention of CVD and death in women and is an important step in enabling sex specific guidelines.
