A mediterranean diet is cost-effective in patients with previous myocardial infarction

Abstract

This evaluation aimed to assess the economic performance of the Mediterranean diet for patients after a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A cost utility analysis using a Markov model was used to compare the Mediterranean diet to a prudent Western diet over a time frame of 10 years. After a systematic review of the literature, program effectiveness was based on the Lyon Diet Heart Study (605 patients, mean age 54 y, randomized to the Mediterranean diet delivered by a dietician and cardiologist, or a prudent Western diet). Costs were estimated in AU$ [and converted to US$ and Euros (€)] based on the resource use to which published unit costs were applied. Cost and benefits were ..