What diet was compared to the Mediterranean diet in terms of its effects on secondary cardiovascular disease prevention?

The AHA Step 1 diet was compared to the Mediterranean diet regarding its effects on secondary cardiovascular disease prevention because both diets emphasize heart-healthy eating patterns but differ in their specific guidelines and approaches. The AHA Step 1 diet was designed to reduce overall fat intake, particularly saturated fat, while promoting fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which aligns with the goals of preventing heart disease.

Studies and clinical guidelines often highlight both diets' effectiveness in improving cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight management. The Mediterranean diet, known for its high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats (primarily from olive oil), and moderate consumption of fish and poultry, has robust evidence supporting its role in heart health as well. The comparison serves to analyze the relative benefits and adherence associated with each diet in preventing further cardiovascular incidents among patients with a history of heart disease.

Other diets, such as the ketogenic diet, paleo diet, and plant-based diet, have differing focuses and varying levels of empirical support in the context of cardiovascular disease prevention, which is why they were not the diets directly compared in this context. Each of these alternatives may have unique benefits and drawbacks, but the AHA Step 1 diet provides