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Pizza and risk of acute myocardial infarction

S Gallus1, A Tavani, C La Vecchia

  • 1Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy. gallus@marionegri.it

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|May 13, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Regular pizza consumption is linked to a reduced risk of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Frequent pizza eaters showed the most significant benefit, suggesting a protective effect of this popular food.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular epidemiology
  • Nutritional science
  • Italian dietary patterns

Background:

  • Limited data exist on the relationship between pizza consumption and cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Pizza is a globally popular food with varied ingredients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between pizza consumption and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
  • To evaluate the potential cardioprotective effects of pizza in an Italian population.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Milan, Italy.
  • Data included 507 nonfatal AMI cases and 478 controls recruited between 1995 and 1999.

Main Results:

  • Multivariate odds ratios for AMI were 0.78 (occasional), 0.62 (regular), and 0.44 (frequent) pizza eaters.
  • These findings remained consistent across various demographic and lifestyle strata.

Conclusions:

  • Pizza consumption, particularly frequent intake, appears to be associated with a reduced risk of AMI.
  • The cardioprotective effect may be attributed to specific pizza ingredients or its role as an indicator of a healthy Italian diet.

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