Effects of therapeutic lifestyle changes on peripheral artery tonometry in patients with abdominal obesity

Abstract 

Background and aims

Abdominal obesity (AO) is associated with endothelial function (EF) alteration and increased global cardiovascular (CV) risk. Therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLSC) reduce CV risk, but the impact on EF assessed by peripheral artery tonometry (PAT) is unknown. In this study, we aimed to prospectively assess the effects of TLSC on EF measured by PAT in increased CV risk patients with AO.

Methods and results

150 patients with AO and moderate CV risk were randomized to groups receiving a one-year intervention of either conventional medical care (control group, CG) or an intensive TLSC program (intervention group, IG). Vascular studies (EF by PAT, intima-media thickness (IMT)) and lifestyle (LS) assessment were performed before and after intervention. The PAT ratio improved in the IG and worsened in the CG. The global CV risk was reduced (P = 0.017) in the IG due to a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), increase in HDL cholesterol and ApolipoproteinA1 (P = 0.013). More individuals in the IG than in the CG quit smoking (P = 0.001) and increased their physical activity (P = 0.014). The improvement in at least two LS components was associated with a PAT ratio increase (2.44 IC: 95% 0.99–6.00, P = 0.051). The PAT ratio increase determined less IMT progression (−1.1 IC: 95% 0.91–1.00, P = 0.053).

Conclusions

Good adherence to a TLSC program reduces global CV risk and determines PAT ratio improvement. The PAT ratio increase is the main determinant of lower IMT progression.

Keywords: Abdominal obesity, Therapeutic lifestyle changes, Peripheral artery tonometry, Endothelial function, Cardiovascular risk