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Research papers on Mediterranean diet and heart health

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  2. Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Extra‐Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts

    R. Estruch, E. Ros, J. Salas-Salvadó, et al. · 2018 · The New England Journal of Medicine · 2,944 citations

    Background Observational cohort studies and a secondary prevention trial have shown inverse associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular risk. Methods In a multicenter trial in Spain, we assigned 7447 participants (55 to 80 years of age, 57% women) who were at high cardiovascular risk, but with no cardiovascular disease at enrollment, to one of three diets: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra‐virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts, or a control diet (advice to reduce dietary fat). Participants received quarterly educational sessions and, depending on group assignment, free provision of extra‐virgin olive oil, mixed nuts, or

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  3. Long-term secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet and a low-fat diet (CORDIOPREV): a randomised controlled trial.

    J. Delgado-Lista, J. Alcalá-Díaz, J. Torres-Peña, et al. · 2022 · Lancet · 488 citations

    BACKGROUND Mediterranean and low-fat diets are effective in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. We did a long-term randomised trial to compare the effects of these two diets in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. METHODS The CORDIOPREV study was a single-centre, randomised clinical trial done at the Reina Sofia University Hospital in Córdoba, Spain. Patients with established coronary heart disease (aged 20-75 years) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio by the Andalusian School of Public Health to receive a Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet intervention, with a follow-up of 7 years. Clinical investigators (physicians, investigators, and clinical endpoint commit

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  4. Mediterranean diet, cardiovascular disease and mortality in diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials

    N. Becerra-Tomás, Sonia Blanco Mejia, Effie Viguiliouk, et al. · 2020 · Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition · 256 citations

    Abstract To update the clinical practice guidelines for nutrition therapy of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. We searched Medline, EMBASE (through April 20, 2018) and Cochrane (through May 7, 2018) databases. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by the generic inverse variance method. A total of 41 reports (3 RCTs and 38 cohorts) were included. Meta-analyses of RCTs revealed a benefici

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  5. The Fluid Aspect of the Mediterranean Diet in the Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes: The Role of Polyphenol Content in Moderate Consumption of Wine and Olive Oil

    P. Ditano-Vázquez, J. Torres-Peña, F. Galeano-Valle, et al. · 2019 · Nutrients · 197 citations

    A growing interest has emerged in the beneficial effects of plant-based diets for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. The Mediterranean diet, one of the most widely evaluated dietary patterns in scientific literature, includes in its nutrients two fluid foods: olive oil, as the main source of fats, and a low-to-moderate consumption of wine, mainly red, particularly during meals. Current mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet include a reduction in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, improvement in lipid profile, insulin sensitivity and endothelial function, as well as antithrombotic properties. Most of these effects are attri

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  6. Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: What Do We Know?

    J. Salas-Salvadó, N. Becerra-Tomás, J. García-Gavilán, et al. · 2018 · Progress in cardiovascular diseases · 183 citations

    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality is increasing, representing an important public health issue worldwide. It is well-known that risk of CVD is substantially influenced by lifestyle, including poor diet, tobacco smoking and physical inactivity. In the last years, the so-called Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has been associated with broad healthy benefits on human health, including protection against CVD. The present narrative review aimed to summarize and discuss the evidence from meta-analyses of epidemiological and clinical trials analyzing MedDiet and CVD risk. The MedDiet is one of the best dietary patterns analyzed in relation to CVD risk and other health outcomes. Studi

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  7. Retraction and Republication: Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet. N Engl J Med 2013;368:1279-90.

    R. Estruch, E. Ros, J. Salas-Salvadó, et al. · 2018 · The New England journal of medicine · 178 citations

    To the Editor: Because of irregularities in the randomization procedures, we wish to retract the following article: Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet. N Engl J Med 2013;368:1279-90. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1200303.1 We have reanalyzed the data and have published a new report: Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet Supplemented with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Nuts. N Engl J Med. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1800389.2 . . .

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  8. Plasma Metabolites From Choline Pathway and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in the PREDIMED (Prevention With Mediterranean Diet) Study

    M. Guasch-Ferré, F. Hu, M. Ruíz-Canela, et al. · 2017 · Journal of the American Heart Association: Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease · 132 citations

    Background The relationship between plasma concentrations of betaine and choline metabolism and major cardiovascular disease (CVD) end points remains unclear. We have evaluated the association between metabolites from the choline pathway and risk of incident CVD and the potential modifying effect of Mediterranean diet interventions. Methods and Results We designed a case‐cohort study nested within the PREDIMED (Prevention With Mediterranean Diet) trial, including 229 incident CVD cases and 751 randomly selected participants at baseline, followed up for 4.8 years. We used liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to measure, at baseline and at 1 year of follow‐up, plasma concentrations o

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  9. Mediterranean Diet for Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality: An Updated Systematic Review

    A. Laffond, Cristina Rivera-Picón, P. Rodríguez-Muñoz, et al. · 2023 · Nutrients · 103 citations

    Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with coronary heart disease being the primary cause. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been highlighted for its potential in providing greater protection against CVDs. This study aims to present an updated systematic review that examines the impact of MD on mortality and CVDs, both in the general population and in patients with a prior CVD, while also considering the potential influence of gender. We conducted a systematic review. After the selection process, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings from these studies consistently demonstrate that higher adherence to the MD is associated with a re

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  10. Long-Term Impact of Mediterranean Diet on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

    Sneha Annie Sebastian, I. Padda, Gurpreet Johal · 2024 · Current problems in cardiology · 74 citations

    BACKGROUND Dietary modification plays a pivotal role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with particular emphasis on the potential benefits associated with adopting a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet). Numerous observational studies have explored the impact of the MedDiet on CVD prevention, addressing both primary and secondary prevention. However, a substantial portion of the primary evidence comes from specific Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), such as the Lyon Diet Heart Study, the Indo-Mediterranean Diet Heart Study, the PREDIMED Study, and the recent CORDIOPREV Study. To provide a comprehensive assessment of the long-term clinical effects, we conducted a meta-analysis, syst

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  11. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in women with a Mediterranean diet: systematic review and meta-analysis

    A. Pant, S. Gribbin, D. Mcintyre, et al. · 2023 · Heart · 49 citations

    Background Dietary modification is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. A Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower risk of CVD but no systematic reviews have evaluated this relationship specifically in women. Objective To determine the association between higher versus lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet and incident CVD and total mortality in women. Methods A systematic search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science (2003–21) was performed. Randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies with participants without previous CVD were included. Studies were eligible if they reported a Mediterranean diet score and comprised either al

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  12. Diet and nutrition in cardiovascular disease prevention: a scientific statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology and the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions of the European Society of Cardiology.

    P. Marques-Vidal, V. Tsampasian, Aedín Cassidy, et al. · 2025 · European journal of preventive cardiology · 39 citations

    What we eat is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, but health professionals may not have a clear understanding of the current evidence-based research to underpin eating habits and recommendations. This study aims to appraise existing evidence-based research on the importance of diet on CVD risk biomarkers, specifically, the effects of dietary patterns, specific foods, and constituents including vitamins/minerals and plant-derived bioactive compounds on CVD risk. Plant-based dietary patterns rich in minimally processed foods, vegetables, and fruits reduce CVD risk, while patterns rich in ultra-processed foods, meat, salt, sugar, and saturated fat increase risk. The Medit

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  13. The effectiveness of the Mediterranean Diet for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: An umbrella review

    L. Hareer, Yan-Ying Lau, Frances Mole, et al. · 2024 · Nutrition & Dietetics · 35 citations

    Abstract Aims This study aimed to review meta‐analyses of randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of the Mediterranean Diet for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Methods Five databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL and ProQuest) were searched from inception to November 2022. Inclusion criteria were: (i) systematic review of randomised controlled studies with metanalysis; (ii) adults ≥18 years from the general population with (secondary prevention) and without (primary prevention) established cardiovascular disease; (iii) Mediterranean Diet compared with another dietary intervention or usual care. Review selection and quality assessment

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  14. Cardiovascular Disease and the Mediterranean Diet: Insights into Sex-Specific Responses

    A. Pant, Derek P. Chew, M. Mamas, et al. · 2024 · Nutrients · 30 citations

    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality and disease burden in women globally. A healthy diet is important for the prevention of CVD. Research has consistently favoured the Mediterranean diet as a cardio-protective diet. Several studies have evaluated associations between the Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular outcomes, including traditional risk factors like hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity. In addition, consistent evidence suggests that the components of the Mediterranean diet have a synergistic effect on cardiovascular risk due to its anti-inflammatory profile and microbiome effects. While the benefits of the Mediterranean diet are well-establishe

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  15. Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Implications for Cardiovascular Risk Prevention

    G. Frank, Barbara Pala, P. Gualtieri, et al. · 2025 · Nutrients · 15 citations

    Background/Objectives:Arterial hypertension, increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and arterial stiffness (AS) are recognized predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Emerging evidence suggests that vascular remodeling may precede the full development of hypertension. Furthermore, body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentage (FM%), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), are significant risk factors for cardiovascular events. Conversely, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk due to its beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and vascular health. Methods: This observational study explored the association between nutritional car

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  18. The Role of the Mediterranean Diet and Alcohol Consumption in Chronic Liver Disease Prevention: A Narrative Review

    M. Barbería-Latasa, D. Martínez-Urbistondo, M. Martínez-González · 2025 · Medicina · 4 citations

    The traditional Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has consistently demonstrated robust benefits in reducing cardiovascular, metabolic, and oncologic risks. Its high content of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, particularly (poly)phenols, underscores why this dietary pattern has been extensively researched and widely adopted for managing various metabolic conditions. This article aims to conduct a narrative review of the association between the MedDiet (and its debated alcohol consumption pattern) and a reduced risk of liver disease, with a specific focus on the potential preventive role of the MedDiet on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which is now the

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  20. Abstract TAC134: Impact of Mediterranean Diet on Hypertension in Patients with High Cardiovascular disease Risk: A Systematic Review&Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

    M. Mylavarapu, Madiha Kiyani, Lakshmi Meghana Kodali, et al. · 2025 · Hypertension · 2 citations

    Introduction: The rising global burden of hypertension necessitates the identification of effective strategies for its control and prevention, complementing advancements in pharmacotherapy. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and olive oil, with moderate fish and wine consumption, has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, including reduction in blood pressure. However, the impact of MedDiet on hypertension in patients with high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk remains understudied. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the impact of the MedDiet on blood pressure (BP) in patients at high CVD

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  21. The role of the Mediterranean diet in secondary cardiovascular disease prevention: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

    E. Gitsi, C. Anastasiou, M. Yannakoulia, et al. · 2026 · Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD · 1 citations

    AIMS Although the Mediterranean diet is well established for primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, its role in secondary prevention is less evidence-based. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate its association with CVD incidence and mortality in patients with existing CVD. DATA SYNTHESIS A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to February 28, 2026. Thirteen prospective cohort studies including adults with established CVD that assessed adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern and reported clinical outcomes were eligible. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (C

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  24. Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

    A. Nowak, Zuzanna Chęcińska-Maciejewska, Paulina Wojtyła-Buciora, et al. · 2023 · Biuletyn Głównej Biblioteki Lekarskiej

    Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and an adequate diet can play a key role in its prevention. The aim of this study was to discuss the impact of the Mediterranean diet on reducing cardiovascular disease. Research methods. A review of the scientific literature was conducted to gather information on the effects of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular disease. Research including both observational studies and randomized controlled trials that assessed the association between the Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular disease risk was identified. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high intake of vegetables, fruits, whole gr

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