Nutrition in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular risk in the continental and Mediterranean regions of Croatia

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effect of Mediterranean and continental nutrition on cardiovascular risk in patients with acute and chronic coronary heart disease in Croatia.MethodsThe study included 1284 patients who were hospitalized in a 28-month period due to acute or chronic ischaemic heart disease in hospitals across Croatia. An individual questionnaire was prepared which enabled recording of various cardiovascular risk factors.ResultsPatients with chronic coronary artery disease have a better index of healthy diet than patients with acute coronary disease. Women have a better index of diet than men in both Croatian regions. When the prevalence of risk factors (impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus types I and II, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and hypertension) in patients with Mediterranean and continental nutrition is compared, a trend is seen for patients who have risk factors to consume healthier food.ConclusionThe Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This effect is more evident in patients with known cardiovascular disease.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12872-017-0678-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Associations between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle Assessed with the MEDLIFE Index among the Working Population

“…It is worthy to mention that high proportion of participants had recommended daily olive oil and weekly fish intake and those MD foods are recognized in preventing CVD risks [ 3 ]. The study done on 1284 hospitalized patients due to acute or chronic ischemic heart disease in hospitals across Croatia showed that patients with chronic heart disease had more MD habits, concluding that MD is associated with reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease [ 28 ]. Those participants with unfavorable lipid profile had lower adherence to MD and lifestyle, which expose them more to CVD risk, and our results are similar to the results of lipid profile of Spanish workers [ 29 ].…”

Nutrition as a Key Modifiable Factor for Periodontitis and Main Chronic Diseases

“…In an observational prospective population-based cohort study including 23,232 men and women, Paterson et al (2018) reported that subjects adhering to a Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of stroke [ 107 ]. In an observational study including 1284 patients hospitalized for an acute or chronic ischemic heart disease Siki et al (2017) reported similar reductions in risk [ 108 ]. Based on the analysis of data from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, including 9435 subjects, Aridi et al reported that higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet decreased the incidence of CDs, with lower concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, diastolic blood pressure and dyslipidemia [ 109 ].…”

Preliminary Effects of a Structured Educational Program in Cardiac Patients at Different Stages of Enrollment in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

“…These findings are important since it has been observed that dietary behavior has a beneficial impact both on general health 41 and cardiovascular health. 42,43 In addition, there was an increase in the proportion of patients considered highly adherent to the Mediterranean diet post-test in both subgroups. Whereas the Mediterranean diet has been indicated as one of the healthiest eating patterns, 44 the high adherence to the diet by post-test patients could be a reflection of the educational process, since education can influence patients' food choices.…”