Moderate dietary fat consumption as a risk factor for ischemic heart disease in a population with a low fat intake: a case-control study in Korean men

Background: Dietary fat intake is associated with the incidence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Western countries. In populations in which both the average dietary fat consumption and the incidence of IHD are lower than in Western countries, the association of dietary fat intake with LHD incidenc e remains unknown. Objective: We conducted a case-control study to examine the association of dietary fat with IHD incidence in Korean men. Design: The case group consisted of 108 patients with electrocardiogram-con firmed myocardial infarction or angiographically confirmed (greater than or equal to 50% stenosis) IHD who were admitted to a university teaching hosp ital in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The controls were 142 age-matched patient s admitted to the departments of ophthalmology and orthopedic surgery at th e same hospital. Dietary fat intake was assessed by a nutritionist using a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI), cigar ette use, alcohol intake, exercise, and history of disease were determined during an interview and examination. Results: In a univariate analysis, the mean percentages of energy from tota l fat, saturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids were signific antly higher in the cases than in the controls. BMI, smoking, and a history of hypertension were associated with the occurrence of MD. In multiple log istic analyses, total fat intake was a significant risk factor (odds ratio: 1.08 for 1% of energy intake; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.14) after adjustment for BMI and smoking. Conclusion: In a population with a relatively low fat intake (19% of energy intake), a moderate increase in total fat intake may be a risk factor for IHD.