
The Lyon Diet Heart Study is a randomized secondary prevention trial that aimed to test whether a Mediterranean-style diet may reduce the rate of recurrence after a first myocardial infarction. The study found a striking protective effect after 27 months of follow-up, with a 73% reduction in the risk of new major cardiac events. The Mediterranean diet group in the study had significantly lower composite endpoints (CEs) compared to the prudent Western-type diet group, indicating a reduced risk of cardiovascular events and deaths. The Lyon Diet Heart Study is considered influential and robust evidence for the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive dietary modifications for improving cardiovascular health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Study Type | Randomized secondary prevention trial |
| Diet Type | Mediterranean-style Step I diet |
| Diet Composition | High in fruits, vegetables, bread, other forms of cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds. Includes olive oil, dairy products, fish, and poultry consumed in low to moderate amounts; eggs consumed zero to 4 times weekly; little red meat; and wine consumed in low to moderate amounts. High in α-linolenic acid. |
| Duration | 46 months (on average) |
| Results | 73% reduction in the risk of new major cardiac events in the experimental group. Reduced composite endpoints in the Mediterranean diet group compared to the prudent Western-type diet group. |
| Limitations | Single-blind design, prone to biases. |
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What You'll Learn
- The Lyon Diet Heart Study is considered the ultimate evidence for the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet
- The study found a 73% reduction in the risk of new major cardiac events
- The Mediterranean diet group had 14 cardiac death events versus 44 in the prudent Western-type diet group
- The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits, vegetables, bread, other forms of cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds
- The Mediterranean-style Step I diet emphasises more bread, root vegetables, green vegetables, fish, poultry, fruit, and margarine

The Lyon Diet Heart Study is considered the ultimate evidence for the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet
The Lyon Diet Heart Study is a randomized secondary prevention trial that aimed to test whether a Mediterranean-type diet may reduce the rate of recurrence after an initial myocardial infarction. The study is considered the ultimate evidence for the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, bread, cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds. It includes olive oil as a primary source of fat and moderate amounts of dairy products, fish, and poultry. Red meat and eggs, which are limited to zero to four times per week, are also part of this diet. Wine is typically consumed in low to moderate amounts.
The Lyon Diet Heart Study compared a Mediterranean-style, Step I diet to the usual Step I diet. The Mediterranean-style diet emphasized more bread, root vegetables, green vegetables, and fish. It also included less beef, lamb, and pork, which were replaced with poultry. Additionally, butter and cream were substituted with margarine high in α-linolenic acid. This diet plan ensured that no day passed without the consumption of fruit.
The results of the study showed a significant protective effect after 27 months of follow-up. The Mediterranean diet group had a reduced risk of composite outcomes (COs) combining cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, heart failure, and other related events. The study concluded that the Mediterranean Diet can reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease outcomes by 10%–67% and non-fatal cardiovascular disease outcomes by 21%–70%.
The Lyon Diet Heart Study provided robust results, and its findings have not been replicated by any other study since. It is considered the ultimate evidence for the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, showcasing its positive impact on cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
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The study found a 73% reduction in the risk of new major cardiac events
The Lyon Diet Heart Study is a randomized secondary prevention trial that aimed to test whether a Mediterranean-type diet may reduce the rate of recurrence after an initial myocardial infarction. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have cardioprotective effects, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
The Mediterranean-style Step I diet used in the Lyon Diet Heart Study emphasized a high intake of fruits, vegetables, bread, cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds. It also included a moderate amount of dairy products, fish, and poultry, with eggs consumed up to four times a week and minimal red meat. Olive oil was used as a primary source of fat, and wine was consumed in moderation.
This dietary pattern is based on traditional food patterns from regions in Greece and southern Italy in the early 1960s. The unique aspect of the diet in the Lyon Diet Heart Study was its high content of α-linolenic acid, found in margarine, which may have contributed to the reduced risk of cardiac events.
The findings from the Lyon Diet Heart Study provide valuable insights into the role of nutrition in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. By emphasizing a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and healthy fats, individuals can significantly lower their chances of experiencing major cardiac issues. This study contributes to the growing body of research supporting the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for heart health and overall well-being.
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The Mediterranean diet group had 14 cardiac death events versus 44 in the prudent Western-type diet group
The Lyon Diet Heart Study is a randomized, single-blind, secondary prevention trial that examined the effects of a Mediterranean-type diet on cardiovascular health. The study compared the outcomes of participants who consumed a Mediterranean diet to those who consumed a prudent Western-type diet, over an extended period.
The Mediterranean diet group exhibited significantly improved cardiovascular outcomes compared to the prudent Western-type diet group. Specifically, the Mediterranean diet group experienced 14 cardiac death events, while the prudent Western-type diet group had 44 such events. This difference was highly statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.0001, indicating a strong association between diet type and cardiac health.
The Lyon Diet Heart Study provides valuable insights into the potential cardioprotective effects of a Mediterranean diet. The study's findings suggest that adhering to a Mediterranean dietary pattern may reduce the risk of cardiac death and improve overall cardiovascular health. This conclusion is further supported by the extended follow-up period, which revealed consistent results over a longer time frame.
The Mediterranean diet is typically characterized by a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread, cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds. It includes olive oil as a primary source of fat and incorporates dairy products, fish, and poultry in moderate amounts. Red meat is consumed sparingly, and wine is enjoyed in moderation. This dietary pattern has been associated with numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and improved overall well-being.
In conclusion, the Lyon Diet Heart Study's finding that "The Mediterranean diet group had 14 cardiac death events versus 44 in the prudent Western-type diet group" highlights the significant impact of dietary choices on cardiac health. The Mediterranean diet's emphasis on plant-based foods, healthy fats, and moderate consumption of animal products has been shown to provide cardioprotective effects, underscoring the importance of nutritional strategies in promoting long-term health.
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The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits, vegetables, bread, other forms of cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds
The Mediterranean diet consistently ranks as the number one diet in the U.S. News and World Report's annual ranking of best diets. It is based on the traditional eating habits in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including France, Spain, Greece, and Italy. Research has suggested that people living in these regions tend to have a lower risk of many chronic conditions compared to those on a standard American diet.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats. It is high in fruits, vegetables, bread, other forms of cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds. This includes fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, grapes, and melons, and vegetables such as tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, onions, and carrots. Whole grains like oats, brown rice, rye, and whole wheat bread are also included. The diet emphasizes minimally processed, plant-based foods and includes a regular use of olive oil.
Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are a part of the diet, as well as legumes like beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. Dairy products, fish, and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts, while red meat is limited. Wine is also consumed in low to moderate quantities, usually with meals, and fruit is a common dessert.
The Mediterranean diet provides a balance of nutrients and is adaptable and easy to follow. It may help manage weight, protect the heart, and prevent diabetes. The Lyon Diet Heart Study, a randomized secondary prevention trial, found that the Mediterranean diet had a striking protective effect after 27 months of follow-up for patients with a first myocardial infarction. The PREDIMED and Lyon Diet Heart studies also showed that the Mediterranean diet is the only nutritional approach with evidence of a reduced risk of actual cardiovascular events or deaths related to cardiovascular causes.
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The Mediterranean-style Step I diet emphasises more bread, root vegetables, green vegetables, fish, poultry, fruit, and margarine
The Lyon Diet Heart Study is a randomised secondary prevention trial that examined the impact of a Mediterranean-style diet on cardiovascular health. The study found that this dietary approach may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and deaths.
The Mediterranean-style Step I diet, as emphasised in the Lyon Diet Heart Study, encourages increased consumption of bread, root vegetables, green vegetables, fish, poultry, fruit, and margarine. This diet is characterised by an emphasis on plant-based foods and moderate intake of animal products. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the Mediterranean-style Step I diet:
Bread
The Mediterranean diet includes whole-grain bread, preferably dense and chewy country-style loaves without added sugar or butter. Whole grains provide fibre and essential nutrients, and they are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and improved digestion.
Root Vegetables and Green Vegetables
The diet encourages a variety of vegetables, emphasising root vegetables and green leafy vegetables. Examples include chard, broccoli, parsley, and greens. Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, contributing to the overall health benefits of this dietary pattern.
Fish
Fish is a key component of the Mediterranean-style Step I diet. It is a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation. Examples of fatty fish include salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Poultry
The Mediterranean-style Step I diet recommends poultry as a replacement for red meats such as beef, lamb, and pork. Poultry is a source of lean protein, but it is important to note that the Mediterranean diet emphasises moderate consumption.
Fruit
Fruit is an integral part of this dietary approach, with an emphasis on fresh fruit for dessert. The Mediterranean diet encourages a variety of fruits, such as grapes, berries, strawberries, and citrus fruits for their natural sweetness and nutritional value.
Margarine
Margarine, specifically the type high in α-linolenic acid, is recommended as a replacement for butter and cream. α-Linolenic acid is believed to play a role in lowering cardiovascular disease risk, and its inclusion in the diet is a unique feature of the Mediterranean-style Step I diet used in the Lyon Diet Heart Study.
In conclusion, the Mediterranean-style Step I diet, as highlighted in the Lyon Diet Heart Study, emphasises increased consumption of bread, root vegetables, green vegetables, fish, poultry, fruit, and margarine. This dietary approach is characterised by a focus on plant-based foods, moderate intake of animal products, and the inclusion of healthy fats. The combination of these dietary components is believed to contribute to the potential health benefits associated with the Mediterranean-style Step I diet.
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Frequently asked questions
The Lyon Diet Heart Study was a randomized secondary prevention trial that lasted for 46 months on average per patient.
The study aimed to test whether a Mediterranean-type diet may reduce the rate of recurrence after a first myocardial infarction.
The study found a 73% reduction in the risk of new major cardiac events in the experimental group following a Mediterranean-type diet.











































