AI Article Synopsis

  • The study examines adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its relation to cardiovascular health across different regions in Spain.
  • A cross-sectional survey collected data from 1,732 participants on their diet, exercise, and nutrient intake, revealing the southeastern region showed the lowest adherence due to less fish and plant consumption.
  • Findings indicate that lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet is linked to higher instances of hypertension, highlighting its role in cardiovascular risk identification.

Article Abstract

Background: Nutritional studies focus on traditional cultural models and lifestyles in different countries. The aim of this study was to examine the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, life habits, and risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases among people living in different geographical regions in Spain.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in each region. The sampling scheme consisted of a random three-stage stratified sampling program according to geographic region, age, and gender. A total of 1732 subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to assess their nutrient intake, dietary habits, and exercise. A diet score that assesses the adherence of participants to the Mediterranean diet (range 0-10) was also applied.

Results: Southeastern Spain had the lowest score for adherence to the Mediterranean diet because of the low consumption of fish and plant products. A lower adherence score to the Mediterranean diet was strongly associated with the prevalence of hypertension ( = 0.018).

Conclusions: A low level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet is accompanied by a high prevalence of hypertension and, therefore, a raised cardiovascular risk in the country. The adherence score could help identify individuals at greater cardiovascular risk.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133068PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu8110680DOI Listing

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