journal · Public research summary
Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts
Adjusted hazard ratios versus reduced-fat advice were 0.69 (95% CI 0.53–0.91) with extra-virgin olive oil and 0.72 (0.54–0.95) with nuts.
Educational only. Associations do not establish individual risk or diagnosis. Read the original sources and limitations. Editorial review: 2026-10-06.
Citation
Estruch R et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 2018 · DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1800389
Study design
Reanalyzed dietary intervention trial
Population
7,447 Spanish adults aged 55–80 at high cardiovascular risk; median follow-up 4.8 years.
Measured outcome
Major cardiovascular events, not lifespan
Finding
Adjusted hazard ratios versus reduced-fat advice were 0.69 (95% CI 0.53–0.91) with extra-virgin olive oil and 0.72 (0.54–0.95) with nuts.
Limitations
Use this 2018 reanalysis, not the withdrawn 2013 report. Randomization deviations required revised analyses. High-risk cohort and supported intervention limit generalization; not proven life-years gained.
Habit topics
Build a plant-rich plate
Interpretation
Research comparisons are not personal lifespan predictions. Years from different studies, habits, populations and outcomes cannot be added. Supporting studies do not validate the numeric estimate of another study.