Summary
Prudent dietary patterns are associated with reduced risk of arterial cardiovascular
diseases (CVD). Limited data exist on the relation between diet and venous thromboembolism
(VTE). The aim of our prospective, population based study was to investigate the association
of a heart healthy diet on risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and VTE. Information
on dietary habits was available in 18,062 subjects, aged 25–69, who participated in
the fourth Tromsø study, 1994–1995. Dietary patterns were assessed by a slightly modified
version of the validated SmartDiet score; a 13-item questionnaire producing a diet
score based on the intakes of fat, fibre, fruit and vegetables. Incident events of
MI (n=518) and VTE (n=172) were recorded to the end of follow-up December 31, 2005
(median follow-up 10.8 years). Cox-regression models were used to calculate hazard
ratios (HR). A healthy diet score of >27 points (upper tertile) was associated with
17% reduced risk of MI (HR: 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66–1.06), and no
association with VTE (HR: 1.01; 95%CI: 0.66–1.56), compared to <24 points (lower tertile)
in multivariable analysis. High intake of fish, fruit, vegetables and polyunsatured
fat had a 23% reduced risk of MI (HR 0.77; 95%CI: 0.60–0.98), but no association with
VTE (HR 0.95; 95%CI: 0.64–1.40). A heart healthy diet showed an even more favourable
association with MI in obese subjects (HR: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.41–0.95), but not with VTE.
Our findings suggest that a heart healthy dietary pattern is associated with moderately
reduced risk of MI, but not related to risk of VTE.
Keywords
Venous thrombosis - risk factors - nutrition