Association Between a Social-Business Eating Pattern and Early Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Diet plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health promotion.
• Identifying dietary patterns associated with early atherosclerosis is key for prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the association between specific dietary patterns and the presence/extent of subclinical atherosclerosis.
• To investigate lifestyle determinants, including diet, in atherosclerosis development.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis (PESA) study.
• Involved 4,082 asymptomatic participants aged 40-54 years.
• Detailed dietary habits and vascular imaging were assessed.

Main Results:

• A 'social-business' eating pattern (high red meat, processed foods, alcohol, sugar-sweetened beverages, frequent eating out) was identified in 19% of participants.
• This pattern was associated with a worse cardiovascular risk profile.
• Increased odds of subclinical atherosclerosis (OR 1.31) were observed in this group compared to Mediterranean diet followers.

Conclusions:

• An unhealthy 'social-business' eating pattern is linked to increased prevalence, burden, and multisite presence of subclinical atherosclerosis.
• This pattern, characterized by unhealthy food choices and frequent eating out, contributes to atherosclerosis development.