Abstract 310: Improvement in Vascular Reactivity by Institution of a "Green-Based" Diet with Supplemental Fish Oil and the Polyphenolic Compounds, Grape Seed Extract and Pycnogenol

Abstract

Objectives: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is highly correlated with the development of coronary artery and vascular disease in general. While dietary factors have been previously implicated in the causation of endothelial dysfunction, a purposeful change in dietary habits, coupled with the addition of several polyphenol-containing supplements, has not been studied for their effects on endothelial function, as measured by Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (PAT). Methods: 125 consecutive pts, aged 65-86, M:F ratio 3/2, with known vascular risk factors of HTN, DM, Hypercholesterolemia, hx of MI, Stent, CABG, were enrolled in a dietary program, which emphasizes large amts of leafy green vegetables, olive oil, radical reduction of grain, legumes, and fruits; and generous amts of animal proteins (Diet Evolution). All pts were instructed to take 2-4,000 mg of high DHA fish oil, 200mg of Grape Seed Extract, and 50 mg of Pycnogenol per day. All pts had Endothelial Reactivity (ER) using PAT before and after a 5-minute arm occlusion using the EndoPAT 2000 (Itamar, Israel) at baseline and at 6 months. Results: Baseline Endothelial Reactivity was 1.88+/-0.7 (range 1.0-3.3), with 90/125 pts (72%)having endothelial dysfunction (less than 1.60). At 6 months, ER increased to 2.25+/-0.5 (range 1.2-3.6) (p<0.01). Only 20/125 (16%) remained with ED, but all had increased ER numbers. Two pts stopped the polyphenols after a normal PAT; both developed ED on repeat PAT. Conclusions: We conclude that a limited grain, legume, fruit diet with emphasis on greens, olive oil and animal proteins with supplemental fish oil and polyphenols dramatically improves endothelial function in a group of high risk patients.