scholarly journals Effect of a 6-Month Controlled Lifestyle Intervention on Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness

Author(s):  
Christian Koeder ◽  
A. Hahn ◽  
H. Englert

Abstract Objectives The intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (ccIMT) is an established risk marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it is unclear whether lifestyle interventions can easily demonstrate an improvement in ccIMT. The objective was to test if our intervention would beneficially affect ccIMT (among other CVD markers). Design Non-randomized controlled trial Setting Rural northwest Germany Participants Middle-aged and elderly participants from the general population (intervention: n = 114; control: n = 87) Intervention A community-based, 6-month controlled lifestyle intervention focusing on four areas of lifestyle change: a plant-based diet, physical activity, stress management, and an improved social life. A strong emphasis was on dietary change. Measurements We tested whether ccIMT change from baseline to 6 months was different between groups. Results With all participants included, no significant difference in mean ccIMT change between groups was observed (p = 0.708). However, in a subgroup analysis with participants with high baseline mean ccIMT (≥0.800 mm) a significant difference in mean ccIMT change between intervention (−0.023 [95% CI −0.052, 0.007] mm; n = 22; baseline mean ccIMT: 0.884 ± 0.015 mm) and control (0.041 [95% CI 0.009, 0.073] mm; n = 13; baseline mean ccIMT: 0.881 ± 0.022 mm) was observed (p = 0.004). Adjusting for potential confounders did not substantially alter the results. Conclusion The results indicate that healthy lifestyle changes can beneficially affect ccIMT within 6 months and that such a beneficial effect may be more easily demonstrated if participants with high baseline ccIMT are recruited. The observed effect is of relevance for the prevention of CVD events, including myocardial infarction and stroke.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 204062232110269
Author(s):  
Yipin Zhao ◽  
Huawei Wang ◽  
Dazhi Ke ◽  
Wei Deng ◽  
Yingying Ji ◽  
...  

Background and Aims: Studies have shown that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DDP-4) inhibitors have anti-atherosclerotic effects. However, in the PROLOGUE study, sitagliptin failed to slow the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) relative to conventional therapy. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the PROLOGUE study and compared the effects of sitagliptin and conventional therapy on changes in CIMT in subgroups with or without hyperuricemia. Methods: The PROLOGUE study was a randomized controlled trial of 442 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients were randomized to receive sitagliptin added therapy or conventional therapy. Based on the serum uric acid levels of all study populations in the PROLOGUE study, we divided them into hyperuricemia subgroup ( n = 104) and non-hyperuricemia subgroup ( n = 331). The primary outcome was changed in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) parameters compared with baseline during the 24 months treatment period. Results: In the hyperuricemia subgroup, compared with the conventional therapy group, the changes in the mean internal carotid artery (ICA)-IMT and max ICA-IMT at 24 months were significantly lower in the sitagliptin group [−0.233 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−0.419 to 0.046), p = 0.015 and −0.325 mm, 95% CI (−0.583 to −0.068), p = 0.014], although there was no significant difference in the common carotid artery CIMT. Conclusion: The results of our analysis indicated that sitagliptin attenuated the progression of CIMT than conventional therapy in T2DM and hyperuricemia patients.


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-50
Author(s):  
George E. Guthrie

Finding the truth is important. In the field of lifestyle medicine the randomized controlled trial has significant limitations. Physicians and patients need to know the truth about the healthy lifestyle changes and their ability to prevent and reverse disease. To meet this challenge, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine has established a committee of experts (HEaLM), under the leadership of David Katz to create a level of evidence construct for ranking lifestyle medicine evidence that includes evidence from basic science and epidemiologic trials. This tool will be used by the new Expert Lifestyle Medicine Panel to create guidelines and standards of practice.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chee Wai Ku ◽  
Shu Hui Leow ◽  
Lay See Ong ◽  
Christina Erwin ◽  
Isabella Ong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Poor lifestyle behaviors, including unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, contribute to the global obesity pandemic and result in long-term adverse health effects on mothers and their children. The time period before, during and after pregnancy represents a unique opportunity for interventions to cultivate sustained healthy lifestyle behaviors. Since the success of a lifestyle intervention is heavily dependent on uptake and continued compliance, the intervention components should be acceptable, sustainable, and tailored to the concerns and needs of the target population. This study aims to identify enablers and barriers towards engagement with a lifestyle intervention for improving the metabolic health of prospective mothers and their offspring, among a sample of the target population.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 overweight or obese women in the preconception, pregnancy or postpartum periods. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was undertaken using NVivo. Factors influencing adoption of a novel lifestyle intervention were systematically charted using the integrated–Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework, that comprises Recipient, Context, Innovation and Facilitation constructs.Results: Ten enablers and barriers were identified. Barrier factors within the Recipient construct include time constraints as participants juggled multiple roles, and poor baseline knowledge about healthy behaviors and the impact of maternal obesity on maternal and offspring health. Within Context, a family culture of communal meals, convenient access to unhealthy foods in the environment, as well as lack of relevant data sources, were barriers to dietary change. Recipient motivation to be healthy for themselves and their offspring is an enabler, along with family and social support within the Context construct. In the Innovation construct, a holistic delivery platform providing desired information delivered at appropriate times increases engagement. Lastly, in Facilitation, regular feedback, goal setting and nudges would ensure continued engagement and sustainability of lifestyle changes.Conclusions: The features of a successful lifestyle intervention targeting overweight and obese women include (i) a holistic life-course approach to provide education and guidance, (ii) using mobile health platforms to reduce barriers, provide personalized feedback and promote goal-setting, and (iii) health nudges to cultivate sustained lifestyle habits.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Gilberto Santos Morais Junior ◽  
Nathalia Oliveira Rodrigues ◽  
Adriane Dallanora Henriques ◽  
Audrey Cecília Tonet-Furioso ◽  
Ciro José Brito ◽  
...  

Background and Aim. Due to the high incidence of vascular diseases, it is necessary to identify new circulating or structural markers for predicting risk for chronic diseases. Some studies suggest that MMP1 gene polymorphisms are associated with the enzyme expression levels in situ (e.g., in atherosclerotic plaques). Objectives. Thus, the study of this polymorphism may help understanding the pathophysiology of coronary disease. Methods. We performed cross-sectional clinical and laboratory evaluations (including measurement of intima-media thickness of carotid arteries) and genotyping of the MMP1 SNP rs495366 (A/G) in 366 elderly people. Results. No significant differences between genotypes were noted for biochemical, metabolic, inflammatory, or clinical variables except for a significant difference in intima-media thickness for the left carotid artery and a trend toward significance for the right counterpart. Conclusion. Carriers of the allele associated with lower MMP1 expression (allele A) presented greater carotid thickness. We suggest that the phenomenon can be explained by impaired remodeling of the arterial wall (poor degradation of collagen fibers in this scenario), yielding carotid wall thickening and a greater intrinsic risk for cerebrovascular events.


2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 547-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen R. Wald ◽  
Linda J. Ewing ◽  
Stacey C. L. Moyer ◽  
Jens C. Eickhoff

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial for parents of overweight and obese 3- to 7-year-olds was performed to assess the feasibility of a program promoting healthy eating and lifestyle by targeting parents as agents of change. The intervention was composed of 6-in-person group sessions and a customized website over 12 months. The control group received customary care. The primary outcome was feasibility of the intervention to promote healthy behavior change measured by attendance. The secondary outcome was effectiveness assessed by attaining reduced body mass index (BMI) z scores, healthy behavior changes and increased parent self-efficacy. Seventy-three child-parent dyads were enrolled; 14 parents never attended any sessions. Participation in follow-up assessments did not meet the hypothesized level. Ultimate BMI z scores did not differ between control and intervention groups. Parenting skills did not improve in the intervention group. This intervention to achieve healthy lifestyle changes in children via their parents as “change agents” was unsuccessful.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 34-41

Background and objectives: Among several noninvasive techniques available, a high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography is the widely used technique to measure carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with elevated cardiovascular risk. The present study was undertaken to explore the clinical relationship between CIMT and disease activity in patients with RA. Methods: This study involved 50 adult patients with RA. Demographic, physical, systemic, and clinical data and history of the patients were recorded. Investigations, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, renal and liver function tests, RA factor, and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody tests were performed. CIMT was assessed using highresolution B-mode ultrasonography and the disease severity was assessed based on disease activity score (DAS) 28. Results: The mean age of the RA patients was 49.88 ± 12.12 years with male predilection. The mean duration, mean European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria score, and mean DAS 28 score in RA patients were 3.62 ± 3.25 years, 8.10 ± 1.58, and 4.91 ± 1.11, respectively. The mean CIMT observed in RA patients was 0.94 ± 0.31 cm. Significant difference was observed in the mean CIMT values of different variables, including duration of joint pain (P = 0.007), tender joint count (P < 0.001), swollen joint count (P < 0.001), EULAR criteria score (P < 0.001), and DAS 28 score (P < 0.001). Also, CIMT correlated positively with tender joint count (r = 0.711; P < 0.001), swollen joint count (r = 0.673; P < 0.001), EULAR criteria score (r = 0.611; P < 0.001), and DAS 28 score (r = 0.729; P < 0.001). Conclusion: A strong correlation was observed between CIMT and disease activity in patients with RA. Hence, CIMT can be a useful surrogate marker for detecting atherosclerosis in patients with RA.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document