The Effect of the Mediterranean Diet on Reducing the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Evidence from an Adult Population in Indonesia
Keywords:
Mediterranean Diet, Cardiovascular Disease, Dietary Patterns, Cardiovascular Risk, Lipid ProfileAbstract
Cardiovascular Disease remains a leading cause of global mortality, with increasing prevalence in developing countries such as Indonesia. Dietary patterns have been identified as key modifiable risk factors, prompting growing interest in the Mediterranean Diet as a preventive strategy. This study aims to examine the effect of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on the risk of cardiovascular disease and to assess the influence of demographic and lifestyle factors on this relationship. This research employs a quantitative cross-sectional design involving adult participants aged 18 years and above. Data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to measure dietary intake, along with clinical indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI) to assess cardiovascular risk. The results indicate that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is significantly associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk (β = –0.35, p < 0.001; 95% CI: –0.48 to –0.22). Participants with higher adherence demonstrated lower LDL cholesterol, reduced blood pressure, and increased HDL cholesterol levels. These findings remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables, suggesting a robust and independent effect. The protective impact was more pronounced among individuals aged over 40 years, while no significant gender differences were observed. The study concludes that the Mediterranean diet is an effective dietary approach for reducing cardiovascular disease risk, operating through mechanisms such as improved lipid profiles, reduced inflammation, and enhanced vascular function. These findings have important implications for public health, supporting the promotion of culturally adaptable dietary interventions to mitigate cardiovascular disease burden.
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