What Can We Change in Diet and Behaviour in Order to Decrease Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Atherosclerosis, a primary cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is closely linked with obesity.
• Atherosclerosis has a prolonged asymptomatic phase, with potential progression to severe cardiovascular (CV) events.
• Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a validated predictor of CV events and a marker for subclinical atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on IMT measurement in obese patients, a high-risk group for atherosclerosis.
• To examine the obesity paradox in relation to subclinical atherosclerosis diagnosis and early therapeutic interventions.
• To summarize modifiable behavioral factors influencing cIMT and CV risk, including dietary patterns and weight reduction.

Main Methods:

• Literature search conducted on the PubMed database.
• Focus on studies measuring carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) as an outcome.
• Review of behavioral and modifiable factors impacting cIMT and cardiovascular risk.

Main Results:

• Obesity is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis, detectable via cIMT.
• Dietary interventions (Mediterranean, DASH) and weight reduction can positively influence cIMT.
• Understanding the obesity paradox is crucial for early diagnosis and management in at-risk populations.

Conclusions:

• cIMT is a valuable tool for assessing subclinical atherosclerosis in obese individuals.
• Lifestyle modifications, including diet and weight management, are key to mitigating CV risk.
• Early detection and intervention are essential for managing atherosclerosis in the context of obesity.