Similar benefits of low-fat versus Mediterranean-style dietary intervention after first myocardial infarction
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This study was designed to compare low-fat and Mediterranean-style diets following first myocardial infarction (MI) using a randomized controlled study design and to compare dietary intervention per se with usual care using a case-control analysis. Patients having survived first MI were randomized to a low-fat (n=50) or Mediterranean-style (n=51) diet. Whereas the two diets were low in saturated fat and cholesterol, the Mediterranean-style was richer in omega-3 fat. Study participants were given individual dietary counselling sessions, two within the first months and again at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, along with 6 group sessions. Combined dietary intervention (n=101) groups were compared with a matched usual-care group (n=101). Over a median follow-up period of 46 months, primary-outcome-free survival (= composite of all-cause and cardiac deaths, MI, hospital admissions for heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, or stroke) did not differ between low-fat and Mediterranean-style diet groups but patients receiving dietary intervention had better primary-outcome-free survival as compared to matched usual-care controls. Active intervention with either low-fat or a Mediterranean-style diet similarly and significantly benefits overall and cardiovascular-event-free survival following MI.
Abstract
