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Moderate weight reduction improves red cell aggregation and factor VII activity in overweight subjects
C R Hankey1, A Rumley, G D Lowe
1University of Glasgow, Department of Human Nutrition, Queen Elizabeth Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 2ER, Scotland.
Summary
A modest weight loss intervention significantly reduced body weight and key risk factors for ischemic heart disease, including factor VII activity and red cell aggregation (RCA). These findings suggest dietary changes can improve cardiovascular health markers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Dietary Interventions
Background:
- Increased body weight is associated with elevated risk factors for ischemic heart disease.
- Red cell aggregation (RCA) and factor VII activity are established cardiovascular risk factors often increased in individuals with higher body weight.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a weight-reducing dietary intervention on cardiovascular risk markers.
- To assess changes in red cell aggregation (RCA), factor VII activity, and other hemostatic and lipid parameters following weight loss.
Main Methods:
- An open-label study involving 45 overweight or obese volunteers (BMI > 26 kg/m2).
- Participants received dietary advice aimed at a weekly weight loss of 0.5 kg.
- Measurements included body weight, BMI, waist-hip ratio, dietary intake, RCA, factor VII activity, PAI activity, t-PA antigen, fibrinogen, blood viscosity, and lipids over 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in body weight (males: 5.9 kg, females: 4.1 kg) and BMI was observed after 12 weeks.
- Factor VII activity (P = 0.0043) and RCA (P = 0.01) were significantly reduced, particularly in females.
- Plasma total cholesterol decreased (P = 0.016), while HDL cholesterol and triglycerides remained unchanged. Reductions in factor VII activity and RCA correlated with BMI and waist-hip ratio, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Conventional dietary intervention leading to modest weight loss (approx. 5% of body weight) effectively reduces established cardiovascular risk factors.
- Factor VII activity and RCA, which are typically elevated in individuals with increased body weight, are improved through weight reduction.
- This study highlights the potential of dietary interventions for mitigating ischemic heart disease risk.