Mediterranean diet may lower women’s risk for heart disease by 24%, study finds

Following a Mediterranean diet may help reduce the risk of heart disease in women, a A new study turns out.

Researchers found the diet was associated with a 24 percent lower risk of heart disease and a 23 percent lower risk of total mortality in women, according to the study, published in the journal Nature Medicine. Heart.

Oh Mediterranean dietThe traditional cuisine of the region emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, beans, nuts and whole grains.

Although the benefits of this way of eating have been researched before, this meta-analysis, which looked at 16 previous studies, is the first to show a link between diet and heart disease for women, according to the authors. Specificity has been studied.

“This study highlights the need to incorporate sex-specific analysis into research and to translate such findings into clinical practice guidelines,” the study states, calling it “an important step forward.”

This is not the first time that gender-based disparities in women’s heart health have come to light.

Despite having heart disease Leading cause of death For both men and women in the U.S., studies show that women wait longer than men for medical care — sometimes because women don’t know they have it. Symptoms can vary and are often more subtle. compared to men.

gave American Heart Association The most common heart attack symptom for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort, but women don’t always have it, he says. “Women may have chest pain symptoms and less obvious warning signs,” including pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen, neck or jaw pain, shortness of breath, Consciousness, nausea or vomiting and fatigue.

As CBS News’ Nora O’Donnell reported, Knowing the ways in which heart attacks can occur in women can be life-saving, and eating a healthy diet, getting regular sleep, knowing your family history and trying to keep stress to a minimum can help reduce your risk. Is.