Relationship Between Adherence to Cardioprotective Diet Recommendations and Disease Risk Awareness: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aims to assess the alignment of the Mediterranean diet with the 2021 American Heart Association (AHA) Dietary Guidelines and examine the relationship between adherence to cardioprotective dietary recommendations and awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Material and Methods: This study included 200 individuals diagnosed with CVD who applied to the Cardiology Clinic of Fethiye State Hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys, assessing participants' sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure values, and dietary habits. Adherence to cardioprotective dietary recommendations was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS) and a 10-item questionnaire assessing adherence with the 2021 AHA Dietary Guidelines. Additionally, CVD risk awareness was assessed using the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Awareness Assessment Questionnaire (CDRAAQ). Results: Participants with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet had significantly greater awareness of CVD risk factors (p<0.05) compared to those with low or moderate adherence. They were also older (p=0.010) and had lower diastolic blood pressure (p=0.033), while no significant differences were observed in BMI or systolic blood pressure (p>0.05). Individuals who followed the AHA dietary guidelines demonstrated higher Mediterranean diet adherence and greater awareness of CVD risk factors (p<0.05). Additionally, CDRAAQ scores were positively correlated with MEDAS scores and negatively correlated with BMI and blood pressure (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings emphasize the role of disease-specific awareness and educational interventions in promoting adherence to cardioprotective dietary patterns among individuals with CVD. Enhancing awareness of CVD risk factors may contribute to improved dietary adherence and cardiovascular health outcomes.