Mariam Houmani

Dr. Mariam Houmani


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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20 September 2024 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JMJad El Masri
Jad El Masri
HFHani Finge
Hani Finge
TBTarek Baroud
Tarek Baroud
NANajla Maamoun Ajaj
Najla Maamoun Ajaj
MHMariam Houmani
Mariam Houmani
HHHassan H. Hosseini
Hassan H. Hosseini
Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. An important strategy in controlling hypertension is dietary modification. The present study evaluates the effect of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on the risk of ischemic stroke. Methods: A case–control study was carried out, including 214 ischemic stroke cases recruited within the first 48 h of diagnosis and 214 controls, divided equally into hospitalized and non-hospitalized participants. Controls were matched to cases based on age and gender. Socio-demographic characteristics were assessed, in addition to adherence to the DASH diet, which was measured using a preconstructed DASH diet index (ranging from 0 (lowest) to 11 (highest)). For stroke patients, Modified Rankin Score (mRS) was measured to assess disability. Results: Smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and myocardial infarction were significantly associated with ischemic stroke (p < 0.001). Higher adherence to the DASH diet was correlated to lower rates of stroke, where cases scored 5.042 ± 1.486 compared to 6.654 ± 1.471 for controls (p < 0.001). Eating more grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and beans, and lower levels of fat, fewer sweets, and less sodium were associated with lower rates of ischemic stroke (p = 0.038 for sweets and p < 0.001 for all the remaining), while meat, poultry, and fish did not have any significant effect (p = 0.46). A multivariate analysis showed that lower adherence to the DASH diet (p < 0.001, OR: 0.526, CI95% 0.428–0.645) was associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke and an increased likelihood of having high disability levels (mRS 5–6) (p = 0.041, OR: 2.49 × 10−8, CI95% 0–2.49 × 10−8). Conclusions: The relation between the DASH diet and risk of stroke highlights the necessity for strict adherence to dietary restrictions, suggesting a protective role for the DASH diet in stroke pathogenesis and prognosis.