Following a Mediterranean Lifestyle Can Lower the Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome in CHD Patients

The Mediterranean diet is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region, which some refer to as the cradle of civilization. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, olive oil instead of butter, herbs and spices instead of salt, red meat just a few times a month, fish and poultry are the cornerstone of the diet. The diet places a premium on live oil. It has been demonstrated that the diet is a healthy eating pattern. And, according to a recent study, a Mediterranean Lifestyle, which includes the Mediterranean diet, can reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

The Mediterranean Lifestyle is based on the Mediterranean diet as well as other good-health-related elements that include physical activity, appropriate sleep, social interaction, and stress management.

MetS is a group of disorders that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Hypertension, hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels are among these conditions.

The Mediterranean Lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index was developed to analyze the Mediterranean Lifestyle. The MEDLIFE index is a 28-item measure that includes questions about food intake (15 items), typical Mediterranean dietary habits (seven items), and physical activity, rest, and social interaction habits (six items).

The MEDLIFE score was created from a study that compared a Mediterranean diet with a low-fat diet in approximately 1000 CHD patients. The MEDLIFE score was used to assess adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle in 851 research participants at baseline and after five years.

The subjects' commitment to the Mediterranean lifestyle was graded as high (>13 points), moderate (12-13 points), or low (12 points). Compared to the low MEDLIFE adherence group, study participants with high adherence had a decreased risk of MetS development and a higher possibility of reversing pre-existing MetS over the five-year follow-up. Each one-point increase in the MEDLIFE index was associated with a 24% lower risk of developing MetS and a 21% higher chance of reversing pre-existing MetS.

According to the researchers, greater adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle lowered the risk of later MetS development and increased the possibility of reversing pre-existing MetS in patients with CHD at baseline.

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