Diet and Lifestyle as Risk Factors for Carotid Artery Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Stroke is one of the leading causes of death, and out of all stroke cases, 10–15% originate from a previously asymptomatic stenosis in the internal carotid artery. <b><i>Aims:</i></b> The aim of the study was to investigate whether dietary and lifestyle habits were associated with future risk of incident carotid artery disease (CAD). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Baseline examinations on middle-aged individuals (<i>n</i> = 30,447) in the Malmö Diet and Cancer study (MDCS), a prospective cohort study, took place between 1991 and 1996 in Malmö, Sweden. Individuals with cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus were excluded at baseline, resulting in a total study population of 25,952 patients. Information on dietary intake was gathered through a 7-day food diary, a detailed questionnaire, and a 1-h interview. A diet quality index was calculated from adherence to recommended intake of 6 dietary components (saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, fish and shellfish, fiber, vegetables and fruit, and sucrose). Individuals with a first registered diagnosis of CAD were identified from the Swedish National Patient register. <b><i>Results:</i></b> During a median follow-up of 21.8 years, 469 participants (1.8%) developed CAD. The diagnosis of incident CAD was validated and confirmed in 99% of a random sample of 100 individuals. Higher intake of vegetables and fruit was associated with a trend of decreased risk of CAD in a Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio of 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.56–1.03; <i>p</i> = 0.080). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In conclusion, the present study found a trend toward a protective effect of higher intake of vegetables and fruit against incident CAD. More prospective studies investigating the association between diet and CAD and stroke are needed in order to give firm recommendations.

A Narrative Review of the Role of Diet and Lifestyle Factors in the Development and Prevention of Endometrial Cancer

“…The available data so far suggests that a more vegetable-fruit based diet may be more protective against the development of EC, but data supporting a recommendation along these lines for EC protection remains elusive. To reduce red meat intake and to eat more fruit and vegetables (in moderation) is supported, since doing so prevents other forms of cancer and prevents other life-threatening diseases [ 203 , 204 , 205 , 206 , 207 , 208 ], presumably because doing so reduces an individual’s body mass and changes body composition whilst providing essential vitamins and minerals that cannot be obtained from meat products [ 209 , 210 ].…”

Nutrition, atherosclerosis, arterial imaging, cardiovascular risk stratification, and manifestations in COVID-19 framework: a narrative review

“…Similar to the traditional risk predictors, these carotid atherosclerosis biomarkers are also associated with several nutrition-based components [147][148][149]. Several studies have indicated a regression in cIMT by adhering to the Mediterranean diet in patients with elevated cIMT [150][151][152].…”

“…Similarly, their study indicated a direct association of cIMT with the total (β = 0.004, p = 0.028) and saturated fat intake (β = 0.012, p = 0.006). It has been proved that intake of green vegetables, fresh, nutritious foods, fruits, and water reduces the cIMT and indicated reduced serum cholesterol levels [147,148].…”

Diet and Lifestyle Factors and Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease—A Prospective Cohort Study

“…A high diet quality was associated with lower incidence of cardiovascular events in terms of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke with follow up to 2008 in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS) [5]. A healthy diet and adherence to recommended levels of fiber intake were associated with a reduced risk of incident peripheral artery disease in MDCS [6], whereas no association was found between diet quality and incident carotid artery disease [7], but this study was probably underpowered. Current smoking, low diet quality and low physical activity level were associated with atherothrombotic ischemic stroke in MDCS [8].…”