The Mediterranean diet contributes to the preservation of left ventricular systolic function and to the long-term favorable prognosis of patients who have had an acute coronary event.

BACKGROUND

The effect of the cardioprotective Mediterranean diet on the development of cardiac abnormalities and prognosis of cardiac patients has rarely been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the relation between the Mediterranean diet, the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) at hospitalization, and the 2-y prognosis of patients who have had an acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

DESIGN

During 2006-2009, 1000 consecutive patients with ACS were enrolled; of these patients, 459 had LVSD (ejection fraction <40%) at hospitalization [367 men with a mean (+/-SD) age of 64 +/- 14 y, and 92 women aged 71 +/- 12 y], whereas 541 had preserved left ventricular systolic function (421 men aged 62 +/- 12 y, and 120 women aged 67 +/- 12 y). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by the validated Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore; theoretical range: 0-55).

RESULTS

The MedDietScore was associated with less likelihood of developing LVSD at hospitalization [odds ratio (OR) per 1/55 unit: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99; P = 0.04], less likelihood of remodeling (ie, ejection fraction <50% at 3 mo follow-up; OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.78, 1.03: P = 0.06), and less likelihood of recurrent cardiovascular disease events during the 2 y of follow-up (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.98; P = 0.04), after adjustment for various confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet seems to preserve left ventricular systolic function and is associated with better long-term prognosis of patients who have had an ACS.