Abstract
We have recently reported that patients with fibromyalgia (FM) may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Olive oil reportedly has cardioprotective effects. We examined the influence of olive oil consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in FM. This preliminary study was performed on blood samples of women with FM who consumed 50 mL of organic olive oil daily for 3 weeks. Patients were randomized into two groups: 15 women ingested extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and 15 refined olive oil (ROO). Cardiovascular risk markers were measured at baseline (pre measure) and after consumption of olive oil (post measure). Red blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; both p < 0.05) declined significantly post-treatment in the EVOO group. Consumption of ROO increased mean platelet volume and reduced platelet distribution width (PDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, ESR and fibrinogen (all p < 0.05). Significant differences were found in pre–post change between the EVOO and ROO groups for cortisol and PDW (both p < 0.05). Our results have shown that consumption of olive oil may have antithrombotic and antiinflammatory properties in patients with FM, thereby improving a number of cardiovascular risk markers. Both EVOO and ROO may be useful as adjuvants for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disorders in these patients.
Highlights
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent disorder that is characterized by widespread chronic pain
We have recently reported a prothrombotic state in patients diagnosed with FM, reflected by altered levels of thrombosis-related parameters, such as fibrinogen; prothrombin time; red blood cell (RBC); and platelet counts, platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) [7]
We found altered levels of thrombosis-related parameters, including higher fibrinogen levels, PDW values and RBC counts, and lower MPV values in patients with FM in comparison to controls [7]
Summary
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent disorder that is characterized by widespread chronic pain. It is frequently associated with sleep problems, fatigue, other functional somatic symptoms, mental and physical disorders and diminished quality of life [1]. Mortality risk related to FM has been reported to be 30% greater than in patients without this syndrome. This risk is not due to the disease itself, but the lifestyle of patients with FM, including lack of exercise [2]. Due to the unknown etiology of FM, there is no effective treatment available
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