scholarly journals Consumption of cashew nuts does not influence blood lipids or other markers of cardiovascular disease in humans: a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J Baer ◽  
Janet A Novotny

ABSTRACT Background The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a qualified health claim for tree nuts and reduction of cardiovascular disease. However, cashews are excluded from that claim due to their content of saturated fats, which is predominantly stearic acid. Because stearic acid is neutral with respect to blood lipids, several studies have been conducted to test the effect of cashew nuts on blood lipids, and these studies have produced conflicting results. Objectives The aim of this study was to conduct a highly controlled intervention to determine the effect of cashews fed at the amount specified in the health claim on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Methods A total of 42 adults participated in a controlled-feeding study conducted as a randomized crossover trial with 2 treatment phases. The volunteers were provided the same base diet in both treatment phases, with no additions during the control phase and with the addition of 1.5 servings (42 g) of cashews/d for the cashew nut phase. During the cashew nut phase, the amount of all foods was decreased proportionally to achieve isocaloric overall diets in the 2 phases. After 4 wk of intervention, assessments included blood lipids, blood pressure, central (aortic) pressure, augmentation index, blood glucose, endothelin, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), adhesion molecules, and clotting and inflammatory factors. Results There were no significant differences in blood lipids, blood pressure, augmentation index, blood glucose, endothelin, adhesion molecules, or clotting factors in this weight-stable cohort. PCSK9 was significantly decreased after cashew consumption, although there was no change in LDL cholesterol. Conclusions Consumption of 1.5 servings of cashew nuts/d, the amount associated with the FDA qualified health claim for tree nuts and cardiovascular disease, did not positively or adversely affect any of the primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02628171.

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huanhuan Zhou ◽  
Chenghuan Zhang ◽  
Jingyu Ni ◽  
Xiaoyun Han

Abstract Background To investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and assess the 10-year risk of CVD in non-menopausal and postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A total of 569 patients with T2DM at a Chinese tertiary hospital were investigated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). We evaluated the 10-year risk of CVD, clinical and menopause characteristics in all subjects. Results Among the 569 diabetic patients, the incidence of smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, overweight or obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was 0.7, 36.2, 38.1 56.6 and 58.2%, respectively. The usage rate of hypoglycemic agents, antihypertensive agents, lipid modulators and antithrombotic drugs was 88.6, 78.3, 50.0 and 27.1%, respectively. However, only 1.2% of inpatients achieved the three target goals for the control of blood glucose (HbA1c < 7%), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure < 130 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg), and blood lipids (total cholesterol < 174 mg/dL). The 10-year risk of CVD was (1.6 ± 1.5%) and tended to increase along with age (F = 27.726, P <  0.001). For all subjects (n = 569), multiple linear regression analysis showed that menopause (β = 0.275, P <  0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (β = 0.212, P <  0.001), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (β = 0.093, P = 0.018) and waist-to-hip-ratio (β = − 0.078, P = 0.047) were risk factors of 10-year risk of CVD, which may explain the variance of 14.3%. In the postmenopausal group (n = 397), LDL-C (β = 0.227, P <  0.001), FPG (β = 0.139, P = 0.003) and time since menopause (β = 0.230, P <  0.001) were found to be associated with CVD, which may explain the variance of 14.6%. Conclusion The incidence of dyslipidmia, hypertension, overweight or obesity and NAFLD is high. The level of control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids was found to be extremely low and the treatment status was not ideal. Besides menopause, LDL-C, FPG and time since menopause were found to be independent risk factors for the 10-year risk of CVD. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on comprehensive control of multiple risk factors, such as plasma glucose, blood pressure and serum lipid.


Author(s):  
Rifkatu S. Reng ◽  
Gerald A. Onwuegbuzie ◽  
Muaz Salisu ◽  
Felicia Anumah

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex disorder defined by cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Use of Highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV patients is associated with metabolic syndrome which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of MS among HAART treated HIV patients and HAART naïve patients.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 581 (396 females, 184 males) consenting HIV patents in the hospital. Clinical characteristics, anthropometry, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma insulin, CD4 cell counts and viral load were determined using appropriate standard techniques. MS was defined using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) cut-off values.Results: The overall prevalence of MS was 10.7%, with more females 52 (13.1%) than males 10 (5.4%), p=0.005. MS in patients on HAART was 58 (15.1%) and HAART naive 4 (2.0%). Overall, waist circumference, BMI, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic blood pressure (BP), triglycerides and fasting blood glucose were 82.7±11.5, 22.7±, 120.6±17.6, 77.5±10.6, 1.1±0.7 and 5.1±1.9 respectively. Patients with MS had significantly higher (p<0.05) waist circumference (94.1 vs 81.3 cm), BMI (24.8 vs 22.5 kg/m2), systolic BP (135.4 vs 118.8 mmHg), diastolic BP (86.2 vs 76.5 mmHg), triglycerides (1.3 vs 1.0 mmol/l) and fasting blood glucose (6.3 vs 4.9 mmol/l).  Insulin resistance (IR) was higher in patients with MS 11.8(7.9) compared with patients without MS 5.5 (6.8) p=0.02.Conclusions: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this study was lower than that reported in previous works, the prevalence is much higher in the HAART treated patients. The risk of MS were high triglycerides, hypertension and abnormal fasting blood glucose. There was significant association with the traditional risk factors, age, female gender and HIV duration. 


1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (01) ◽  
pp. 058-064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goya Wannamethee ◽  
A Gerald Shaper

SummaryThe relationship between haematocrit and cardiovascular risk factors, particularly blood pressure and blood lipids, has been examined in detail in a large prospective study of 7735 middle-aged men drawn from general practices in 24 British towns. The analyses are restricted to the 5494 men free of any evidence of ischaemic heart disease at screening.Smoking, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol intake and lung function (FEV1) were factors strongly associated with haematocrit levels independent of each other. Age showed a significant but small independent association with haematocrit. Non-manual workers had slightly higher haematocrit levels than manual workers; this difference increased considerably and became significant after adjustment for the other risk factors. Diabetics showed significantly lower levels of haematocrit than non-diabetics. In the univariate analysis, haematocrit was significantly associated with total serum protein (r = 0*18), cholesterol (r = 0.16), triglyceride (r = 0.15), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.17) and heart rate (r = 0.14); all at p <0.0001. A weaker but significant association was seen with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.09, p <0.001). These relationships remained significant even after adjustment for age, smoking, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol intake, lung function, presence of diabetes, social class and for each of the other biological variables; the relationship with systolic blood pressure was considerably weakened. No association was seen with blood glucose and HDL-cholesterol. This study has shown significant associations between several lifestyle characteristics and the haematocrit and supports the findings of a significant relationship between the haematocrit and blood lipids and blood pressure. It emphasises the role of the haematocrit in assessing the risk of ischaemic heart disease and stroke in individuals, and the need to take haematocrit levels into account in determining the importance of other cardiovascular risk factors.


Author(s):  
В.В. Шерстнев ◽  
М.А. Грудень ◽  
В.П. Карлина ◽  
В.М. Рыжов ◽  
А.В. Кузнецова ◽  
...  

Цель - исследование взаимосвязи факторов риска сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний и развития предгипертонии. Методика. Проведен сравнительный и корреляционный анализы показателей модифицируемых и немодифицируемых факторов риска сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний у обследованных лиц в возрасте 30-60 лет с «оптимальным» артериальным давлением, (n = 63, АД <120/80 мм рт.ст.) и лиц с предгипертонией (n = 52, АД = 120-139/80-89 мм рт.ст.). Результаты. Показано, что лица с предгипертонией по сравнению с группой лиц, имеющих «оптимальное» артериальное давление характеризуются статистически значимо повышенным содержанием холестерина и холестерина липопротеидов низкой плотности, интеллектуальным характером трудовой деятельности, а также значимыми сочетаниями факторов риска: повышенный уровень холестерина липопротеидов низкой плотности с интеллектуальным характером трудовой деятельности; повышенное содержание креатинина с уровнем триглициридов; наследственная отягощенность по заболеваниям почек и интеллектуальным характером трудовой деятельности; наследственная отягощенность по сахарному диабету и гипертрофия левого желудочка сердца. У лиц с предгипертонией документированы перестройки структуры взаимосвязи (количество, направленность и сила корреляций) между показателями факторов риска в сравнении с лицами, имеющими «оптимальное» артериальное давление. Заключение. Выявленные особенности взаимосвязей факторов риска сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний при предгипертонии рассматриваются как проявление начальной стадии дизрегуляционной патологии и нарушения регуляции физиологических систем поддержания оптимального уровня артериального давления. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between risk factors for cardiovascular disease and development of prehypertension. Methods. Comparative and correlation analyses of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease were performed in subjects aged 30-60 with «optimal» blood pressure (n = 63, BP <120/80 mm Hg) and prehypertension (n = 52, BP = 120-139 / 80-89 mm Hg). Results. The group with prehypertension compared with the «optimal» blood pressure group had significantly increased serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, sedentary/intellectual type of occupation, and significant combinations of risk factors. The risk factor combinations included an increased level of LDL cholesterol and a sedentary/intellectual occupation; increased serum levels of creatinine and triglycerides; hereditary burden of kidney disease and a sedentary/intellectual occupation; hereditary burden of diabetes mellitus and cardiac left ventricular hypotrophy. In subjects with prehypertension compared to subjects with «optimal» blood pressure, changes in correlations (correlation number, direction, and strength) between parameters of risk factors were documented. Conclusion. The features of interrelationships between risk factors for cardiovascular disease observed in prehypertension are considered a manifestation of early dysregulation pathology and disordered regulation of physiological systems, which maintain optimal blood pressure.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 634-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan Ghaedi ◽  
Mohammad Mohammadi ◽  
Hamed Mohammadi ◽  
Nahid Ramezani-Jolfaie ◽  
Janmohamad Malekzadeh ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThere is some evidence supporting the beneficial effects of a Paleolithic diet (PD) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This diet advises consuming lean meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts and avoiding intake of grains, dairy products, processed foods, and added sugar and salt. This study was performed to assess the effects of a PD on CVD risk factors including anthropometric indexes, lipid profile, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers using data from randomized controlled trials. A comprehensive search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases up to August 2018. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled effect size. Meta-analysis of 8 eligible studies revealed that a PD significantly reduced body weight [weighted mean difference (WMD) = −1.68 kg; 95% CI: −2.86, −0.49 kg], waist circumference (WMD = −2.72 cm; 95% CI: −4.04, −1.40 cm), BMI (in kg/m2) (WMD = −1.54; 95% CI: −2.22, −0.87), body fat percentage (WMD = −1.31%; 95% CI: −2.06%, −0.57%), systolic (WMD = −4.75 mm Hg; 95% CI: −7.54, −1.96 mm Hg) and diastolic (WMD = −3.23 mm Hg; 95% CI: −4.77, −1.69 mm Hg) blood pressure, and circulating concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD = −0.23 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.42, −0.04 mmol/L), triglycerides (WMD = −0.30 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.55, −0.06 mmol/L), LDL cholesterol (WMD = −0.13 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.26, −0.01 mmol/L), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD = −0.48 mg/L; 95% CI: −0.79, −0.16 mg/L) and also significantly increased HDL cholesterol (WMD = 0.06 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.11 mmol/L). However, sensitivity analysis revealed that the overall effects of a PD on lipid profile, systolic blood pressure, and circulating CRP concentrations were sensitive to removing some studies and to the correlation coefficients, hence the results must be interpreted with caution. Although the present meta-analysis revealed that a PD has favorable effects on CVD risk factors, the evidence is not conclusive and more well-designed trials are still needed.


Cardiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
John Michael Cochran ◽  
Vincent R. Siebert ◽  
Jeffrey Bates ◽  
Djenita Butulija ◽  
Anna Kolpakchi ◽  
...  

Background: Identification and modification of cardiovascular risk factors is paramount to reducing cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but its association with height remains largely underrecognized. Objectives: The objective of this manuscript is to review the evidence examining the association between blood pressure and human stature and to summarize the plausible pathophysiological mechanisms behind such an association. Methods: A systematic review of adult human height and its association with hypertension and coronary artery disease was undertaken. The literature evidence is summarized and tabulated, and an overview of the pathophysiological basis for this association is presented. Results: Shorter arterial lengths found in shorter individuals may predispose to hypertension in a complex hemodynamic interplay, which is explained predominantly by summated arterial wave reflections and an elevated augmentation index. Our systemic review suggests that an inverse relationship between adult height and blood pressure exists. However, differences in the studied populations and heterogeneity in the methods applied across the various studies limit the generalizability of these findings and their clinical application. Conclusion: Physiological studies and epidemiological data suggest a potential inverse association between adult height and blood pressure. Further research is required to define the relationship more clearly between adult height and blood pressure and to assess whether antihypertensive therapeutic approaches and goals should be modified according to patients’ heights.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Kumar

Obesity has emerged as the most potential cardiovascular risk factor and has raised concern among public and their health related issues not only in developed but also in developing countries. The Worldwide obesity occurrence has almost has gone three times since 1975. Research suggests there are about 775 million obese people in the World including adult, children, and adolescents. Nearly 50% of the children who are obese and overweight in Asia in are below 5 years. There is a steep incline of childhood obesity when compared to 1971 which is not only in developed countries but also in developing countries. A considerable amount of weight gain occurs during the transition phase from adolescence to young adulthood. It is also suggested that those adultswho were obese in childhood also remained obese in their adulthood with a higher metabolic risk than those who became obese in their adulthood. In India, the urban Indian female in the age group of 30-45 years have emerged as an 〝at risk population” for cardiovascular diseases. To understand how obesity can influence cardiovascular function, it becomes immense important to understand the changes which can take place in adipose tissue due to obesity. There are two proposed concepts explaining the inflammatory status of macrophage. The predominant cause of insulin resistance is obesity. Epidemiological and research studies have indicated that the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic dysfunction involves the development of a systemic, low-grade inflammatory state. It is becoming clear that targeting the pro-inflammatory pathwaymay provide a novel therapeutic approach to prevent insulin resistance, particularly in obesity inducedinsulin resistance. Some cost effective interventions that are feasible by all and can be implemented even in low-resource settings includes - population-wide and individual, which are recommended to be used in combination to reduce the greatest cardiovascular disease burden. The sixth target in the Global NCD action plan is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 25%. Reducing the incidence of hypertension by implementing population-wide policies to educe behavioral risk factors. Reducing cigarette smoking, body weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood glucose all have a beneficial impact on major biological cardiovascular risk factors. A variety of lifestyle modifications have been shown, in clinical trials, to lower bloodpressure, includes weight loss, physical activity, moderation of alcohol intake, increased fresh fruit and vegetables and reduced saturated fat in the diet, reduction of dietary sodium intake, andincreased potassium intake. Also, trials of reduction of saturated fat and its partial replacement by unsaturated fats have improved dyslipidaemia and lowered risk of cardiovascular events. This initiative driven by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, State Governments, Indian Council of Medical Research and the World Health Organization are remarkable. The Government of India has adopted a national action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with specific targets to be achieved by 2025, including a 25% reduction inoverall mortality from cardiovascular diseases, a 25% relative reduction in the prevalence of raised blood pressure and a 30% reduction in salt/sodium intake. In a nutshell increased BMI values can predict the nature of obesity and its aftermaths in terms inflammation and other disease associated with obesity. It’s high time; we must realize it and keep an eye on health status in order to live long and healthy life.


2006 ◽  
Vol 154 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenora M Camarate S M Leão ◽  
Mônica Peres C Duarte ◽  
Dalva Margareth B Silva ◽  
Paulo Roberto V Bahia ◽  
Cláudia Medina Coeli ◽  
...  

Background: There has been a growing interest in treating postmenopausal women with androgens. However, hyperandrogenemia in females has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective: We aimed to assess the effects of androgen replacement on cardiovascular risk factors. Design: Thirty-seven postmenopausal women aged 42–62 years that had undergone hysterectomy were prospectively enrolled in a double-blind protocol to receive, for 12 months, percutaneous estradiol (E2) (1 mg/day) combined with either methyltestosterone (MT) (1.25 mg/day) or placebo. Methods: Along with treatment, we evaluated serum E2, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index, lipids, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein; glucose tolerance; insulin resistance; blood pressure; body-mass index; and visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat mass as assessed by computed tomography. Results: A significant reduction in SHBG (P < 0.001) and increase in free testosterone index (P < 0.05; Repeated measures analysis of variance) were seen in the MT group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lowered to a similar extent by both regimens, but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased only in the androgen group. MT-treated women showed a modest rise in body weight and gained visceral fat mass relative to the other group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant detrimental effects on fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance. Conclusion: This study suggests that the combination of low-dose oral MT and percutaneous E2, for 1 year, does not result in expressive increase of cardiovascular risk factors. This regimen can be recommended for symptomatic postmenopausal women, although it seems prudent to perform baseline and follow-up lipid profile and assessment of body composition, especially in those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2618
Author(s):  
Chesney K. Richter ◽  
Ann C. Skulas-Ray ◽  
Trent L. Gaugler ◽  
Stacey Meily ◽  
Kristina S. Petersen ◽  
...  

Emerging cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including central vascular function and HDL efflux, may be modifiable with food-based interventions such as cranberry juice. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted in middle-aged adults with overweight/obesity (n = 40; mean BMI: 28.7 ± 0.8 kg/m2; mean age: 47 ± 2 years) and elevated brachial blood pressure (mean systolic/diastolic BP: 124 ± 2/81 ± 1 mm Hg). Study participants consumed 500 mL/d of cranberry juice (~16 fl oz; 27% cranberry juice) or a matched placebo juice in a randomized order (8-week supplementation periods; 8-week compliance break), with blood samples and vascular measurements obtained at study entry and following each supplementation period. There was no significant treatment effect of cranberry juice supplementation on the primary endpoint of central systolic blood pressure or central or brachial diastolic pressure. Cranberry juice significantly reduced 24-h diastolic ambulatory BP by ~2 mm Hg compared to the placebo (p = 0.05) during daytime hours. Cranberry juice supplementation did not alter LDL-C but significantly changed the composition of the lipoprotein profile compared to the placebo, increasing the concentration of large LDL-C particles (+29.5 vs. −6.7 nmol/L; p = 0.02) and LDL size (+0.073 vs. −0.068 nm; p = 0.001). There was no effect of treatment on ex vivo HDL efflux in the total population, but exploratory subgroup analyses identified an interaction between BMI and global HDL efflux (p = 0.02), with greater effect of cranberry juice in participants who were overweight. Exploratory analyses indicate that baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) values may moderate treatment effects. In this population of adults with elevated blood pressure, cranberry juice supplementation had no significant effect on central systolic blood pressure but did have modest effects on 24-hr diastolic ambulatory BP and the lipoprotein profile. Future studies are needed to verify these findings and the results of our exploratory analyses related to baseline health moderators.


Circulation ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 135 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbey C Sidebottom ◽  
Arthur Sillah ◽  
David M Vock ◽  
Michael M Miedema ◽  
Raquel Pereira ◽  
...  

Background: Despite a highly recognized priority for public health and healthcare to implement population-level strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), limited evidence exists on the most effective strategies. Data collection and evaluation of large scale, community based-prevention programs can be challenging and costly to achieve. The Heart of New Ulm (HONU) Project, begun in 2009, is a population-based initiative with healthcare, community, and workplace interventions addressing multiple levels of the social-ecological model designed to reduce modifiable CVD risk factors in rural New Ulm, MN. The community is served by one health system, enabling the use of electronic health record (EHR) data for surveillance. Objective: To assess trends for CVD risk factors, events, and healthcare utilization for New Ulm residents compared to a matched control population. Methods: We matched New Ulm residents (n = 4,077) with controls (n = 4,077) from a regional community served by the same health system using refined covariate balance techniques to match on baseline demographics, CVD risk factors, and health care utilization. Mixed effects longitudinal models with adjustment for age and gender, and an interaction for time by community, were run. Model based estimates were constructed for the entire cohort at each time period. Results: Over the first 6 years of the HONU Project,blood pressure, LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were managed better in New Ulm than the matched comparison community. The proportion of New Ulm residents with controlled blood pressure increased by 6.2 percentage points while the control group increased by 2 points. 10-year ASCVD risk scores showed less decline for New Ulm residents than controls (16 vs. 18.4). The intervention and control groups did not differ with regard to inpatient stays, CVD events, smoking, or glucose. Conclusions: Compared to a matched control population, we found improved control of CVD risk factors in the New Ulm Population exposed to the HONU Project.


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