The effect of a one-year lifestyle intervention program on carotid intima media thickness

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of a year long lifestyle intervention program on carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in 60 subjects, at-risk for or with coronary artery disease. We calculated mean CIMT at baseline (0.731 ± 0.151 mm) and 1 year (0.720 ± 0.129 mm), overall CIMT change and the relationship of CIMT change to the number (0-5) of achieved Heart Health Index (HHI) measures (body mass index < 25 kg/m 2, exercise ≥ 150 min/wk, blood pressure < 140/90 mm Hg, LDL-Cholesterol < 100 mg/dL, fiber intake > 25 g/d). CIMT was unchanged (-0.011 ± 0.118 mm; p = 0.48); however, there was a trend toward CIMT decrease (-0.025 ± 0.120 mm vs. +0.033 ± 0.102 mm; p = 0.10) between subjects with HHI Score ≥ 3 (n = 45) compared to those with an HHI Score < 3 (n = 15) at 1 year. These findings suggest atherosclerosis progression can be blunted with a lifestyle intervention that fully leverages nonpharmacologic approaches to cardiovascular risk reduction.