A new report (Kevin McKeever) suggests that, the fried foods, salty snacks and meats that are staples of the Western world diet account for about 30% of heart attack risk across the world
According to the study, meanwhile, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, the so-called "Prudent" diet, is tied a low risk of heart attack. The research, which looked at dietary habits in 52 countries, found people who ate a Western diet had a 35% greater risk of having a heart attack compared to those who ate little or no fried foods and meat. Those who followed a "Prudent" diet had a 30% lower risk of heart attack compared to those who went light on fruits and vegetables. The authors also looked at an "Oriental" diet, rich in soy and other sauces, and found it did not increase or decrease the risk of a heart attack.
Previous studies have reached similar conclusions about the "Prudent" and Western diet in the United States and Europe, but did not include the Oriental pattern of eating. While some components of the Oriental diet may protect against heart trouble, the higher sodium content of sauces counter that benefit. This study indicates that the same relationships that are observed in Western countries exist in different regions of the world.
Reference:
McKeever, K (2008). Western diet boosts global heart attack risk 30 percent// MedlinePlus.- HealthDay.