Effects of lifestyle modification on central artery stiffness in metabolic syndrome subjects with pre-hypertension and/or pre-diabetes

Abstract

Aims To examine the effects of a 24-week lifestyle intervention prescribed by family doctors on carotid artery stiffness in metabolic syndrome (MS) subjects with pre-hypertension and/or pre-diabetes. Methods Sixty-three middle-aged and older subjects with pre-hypertension and/or pre-diabetes were divided into subjects without MS (MS−) and with MS (MS+). MS components and carotid artery stiffness by ultrasound were determined at baseline, at 8 weeks, and following the 24 weeks of lifestyle intervention. Family doctors prescribed an individually customized lifestyle prescription for aerobic exercise and Mediterranean-style diet. Results Carotid artery distensibility significantly increased in MS+ following the 24 weeks of intervention compared with baseline (0.191 ± 0.012 vs. 0.143 ± 0.011, 1/mmHg × 10 −2, p < 0.05). Similarly, β stiffness index decreased in MS+ following the 24 weeks of intervention (9.8 ± 1.1 vs. 12.5 ± 1.1 AU, p < 0.05). Following the intervention, waist circumference, BP and fasting glucose levels reduced in MS+ (all p < 0.05), and 13 MS+ subjects were free from MS. Conclusions The results show the reduction of carotid artery stiffness and the improvement of some MS components in MS subjects, suggesting a favorable effect of our lifestyle modification strategy on central artery stiffness as well as MS components in MS subjects.