Diet and cardiovascular health in asymptomatic normo- and mildly-to-moderately hypercholesterolemic participants – baseline data from the BLOOD FLOW intervention study

Abstract

BackgroundFor decades in Finland, intensive population strategies and preventive activities have been used to lower the risk of atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD). Lifestyle changes, with the emphasis on diet, play an important role in preventive strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate arterial stiffness and endothelial function in asymptomatic free-living adults and to relate the results to CHD risk factors and lifestyle habits with the emphasis on diet.MethodsNinety-four asymptomatic participants were recruited by advertisements in four large companies and two research institutes employing mainly office workers. Arterial stiffness was assessed as the cardio-ankle vascular index in large arteries, and endothelial function as the reactive hyperemia index with peripheral arterial tonometry. The systematic Cardiovascular Risk Estimation (SCORE) was calculated.ResultsThe data was collected in the spring of 2011. Anthropometric, dietary, and lipid data was available from 92 participants, blood pressure from 85 and vascular measurements from 86–88 subjects (38% males; 62% females; mean age of all 51). The majority (72%) had an elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration and over half were overweight or obese. SCORE stated that 49% of the participants had a moderate risk of cardiovascular disease. When compared to general recommendations, half of the participants had too high intake of total fat and in 66% the consumption of saturated fat was too high. In contrast, the intake of carbohydrates was too low in 90% of the participants and for fiber 73% were below recommendations. There was evidence of borderline or increased arterial stiffness in 72% of the participants and endothelial function was impaired in 8%. Arterial stiffness was associated with LDL cholesterol concentration (p = 0.024), dietary cholesterol intake (p = 0.029), and SCORE (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn a cross-sectional study of asymptomatic middle-aged participants, the half had a moderate risk for cardiovascular diseases manifested as increased arterial stiffness, elevated LDL cholesterol concentration, and poor dietary habits. The new observation that arterial stiffness was associated with dietary cholesterol intake and SCORE emphasizes the urgency of adequate lifestyle and dietary interventions to prevent future coronary events even in asymptomatic participants.Trial registrationClinical Trials Register # NCT01315964

Serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 concentration is not increased by plant stanol ester consumption in normo- to moderately hypercholesterolaemic non-obese subjects. The BLOOD FLOW intervention study

“…Twenty-six subjects (28 %) had normal LDL-C ( 3.0 mmol/l) values and three had elevated serum triglycerides ( 2.0 mmol/l). There were no significant differences in any of the clinical variables, prevalence of diseases, medications or nutrient intakes regarding cholesterol, fats, proteins, carbohydrates and total fibre [17,18] between the groups. All subjects with a history of hypothyreosis were on thyroxin and were euthyreoid.…”

“…The study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind and parallel clinical intervention lasting for 6 months [17,18].…”

“…The test products were provided by Raisio Nutrition Ltd. The diet was monitored by 3-day food record kept at baseline and at the end of the study [17,18].…”

“…The detailed design, methods, baseline data [17] and the results of the intervention on serum lipids, arterial stiffness and endothelial function [18] have recently been published. In short, no inclusion or exclusion criteria for serum and lipoprotein lipids were set, but lipid-lowering medication or the consumption of nutrient supplements interfering with serum cholesterol level (red rice or berberine) were included as exclusion criteria.…”

Biodisponibilidade de peptídeos do feijão caupi (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp) e o metabolismo do colesterol

“…A hipercolesterolemia é considerada um fator de risco importante para as doenças cardiovasculares e a dieta desempenha papel importante neste processo (HALLIKAINEN et al, 2013).…”