Mediterranean Diet and Its Association with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and is interrelated to stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has been closely associated with reduced CVD morbidity and mortality, but research is not well explored for this relationship in individuals with diabetes (who experience greater CVD morbidity and mortality than individuals without diabetes). The aim of this review was to explore the literature related to the MedDiet and atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in individuals with and without diabetes. In total, 570 articles were identified, and 36 articles were included. The articles were published between 2011 and 2021. Platforms used for the search were PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest. Our literature search included clinical and observational studies. Clinical studies revealed the MedDiet was associated with improved biomarkers, plaque, and anthropometric measurements that are associated with atherosclerosis and CVD. Observational studies identified associations between the MedDiet and lower presence of atherosclerosis, improved vascular aging, and increased endothelial progenitor cells. However, most of the studies took place in Mediterranean countries. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects the MedDiet on atherosclerosis and its associated risk factors in diverse populations to include individuals with and without diabetes.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet during Pregnancy: Associations with Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Parameters, Perinatal Outcomes, and Breastfeeding Practices

“…This is ascribed to the fact that the MD has been increasingly found to exert diverse beneficial effects on human health, promoting great daily quality of life and healthy aging and increasing life expectancy [ 3 ]. Several studies have provided substantial evidence that the MD can function as a preventative agent, acting against a variety of human disorders by lowering the risks of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and other human diseases [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Regarding anthropometric parameters, Mediterranean diet-based interventions can also prevent obesity and obesity-related diseases [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Cardiovascular Disease and the Mediterranean Diet: Insights into Sex-Specific Responses

“…These factors lead to the formation of fatty streaks that can be followed by immune-mediated plaque formation in the coronary vessel wall and, potentially, plaque rupture [ 17 ]. The MD has been associated with the following cardio-protective effects: improved lipid profile, improved vascular function and blood pressure (BP), and reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers that may have antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic effects [ 18 , 19 ].…”

Brain Injury: How Dietary Patterns Impact Long-Term Outcomes

“…Moreover, the MD was associated with a lower risk of CVD and stroke (risk ratios of 0.61 and 0.67, respectively) [ 18 •]. A scoping review evaluated 36 clinical and observational studies published between 2011 and 2021 that evaluated the influence of a MD on atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in subjects with and without diabetes [ 19 ]. The authors concluded that a MD is related to improved biomarkers, atherosclerotic plaque, and anthropometric measurements linked to CVD.…”