Southern diet linked to 56% increase in CVD
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests greater adherence to a Southern (U.S.) diet is associated with a 56 percent increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) when compared to those with a Mediterranean diet.
A Southern diet is characterized as being filled with fats, fried foods, eggs and egg dishes, organ and processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages. A Mediterranean diet is characterized as high in vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains and legumes, and low in meat and dairy.
The researchers, led by James M. Shikany, DrPH, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, sought to determine the effect diet type has on patients who already exhibit a history of CHD.
The study is subsequent research from a 2015 study that found an association between diet and an increased risk of acute heart attack or heart related death without a history of heart disease.
The researchers examined data from more than 3,500 black and white men and women from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study who were aged 45 and older. The cohort was given an in-home examination and a dietary assessment at baseline. Follow-up occurred periodically for seven years.
Shikany and colleagues found 581 recurrent CHD events and 1,098 incidences of mortality. They assessed several dietary patterns including convenience, plant-based, sweets, Southern, alcohol and salads.
Compared to the other diets, the researchers found those who adhered to mostly a Southern diet, increased their risk for death by 56 percent. Researchers also found individuals who adhered mostly to a Mediterranean diet decreased their risk for recurrent CHD events and death.
“Based on these results, it would be reasonable to make recommendations to patients to reduce intakes of the main components of the Southern dietary pattern, and more closely adhere to the principles of the Mediterranean diet,” Shikany et al. concluded.
As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.