*2.10. Statistical Analysis*

The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS (version 23, SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL, USA, 2015). A normality test was run on all data to determine if each dataset was well modeled by a normal distribution. Descriptive statistics are presented as medians and inter-quartile ranges (IQRs).

Linear regression models were performed using the diet score as an independent variable, with age, smoking history, educational level, diabetic history, and family history of CVD as covariates. Systolic blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, waist circumference, and body mass index were utilized as outcome variables. The results were presented as *b*-coefficients and standard error of the coefficient. Bonferroni correction was used due to multiple comparisons.

In addition, comparisons between the non-CVD patients and CVD patients were performed using a Mann–Whitney test for non-normally distributed data, and by paired *t*-test or two-sample *t*-test for normally distributed data. A chi-square test was used to compare the employment status and education level between the groups.
