Risk of first non-fatal myocardial infarction negatively associated with olive oil consumption: a case-control study in Spain

Abstract

Background Olive oil is the main source of dietary lipids in most Mediterranean countries where mortality and incidence rates for coronary heart disease (CHD) are the lowest in Europe. Although international comparisons and mechanistic reasons support the hypothesis that a high olive oil intake may prevent CHD, limited data from studies of individuals are available. Methods A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Pamplona (Spain) recruiting 171 patients (81% males, age Results The exposure to the upper quintile of energy-adjusted olive oil (median intake: 54 g/day) was associated with a statistically significant 82% relative reduction in the risk of a first myocardial infarction (OR = 0.18; 95% CI : 0.06–0.63) after adjustment for dietary and non-dietary confounders. Conclusions Our data suggest that olive oil may reduce the risk of coronary disease. These findings require confirmation in further observational studies and trials.