Evidence supporting secondary prevention strategies

Effects of microcrystalline plant sterol suspension and a powdered plant sterol supplement on hypercholesterolemia in genetically obese Zucker rats

Because dietary fat appears to be an effective vehicle for dispensing plant sterols into the diet, a special plant-sterol-containing ingredient has recently been developed. This ingredient is a plant sterol suspension in oil in which the sterols are in microcrystalline form. The objective of the present study was to analyse the cholesterol-lowering effects and safety of two different plant sterol preparations, an orally administered microcrystalline plant sterol suspension (MPS) in rapeseed oil and a powdered plant sterol supplement, in obese Zucker rats. Dietary plant sterol supplements (0.5%, w/w) were given concurrently with a high cholesterol diet (HCD, 1% cholesterol and 18% fat, w/w). No significant changes in serum triglyceride, blood glucose, serum glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase values or body and liver weights were observed. The powdered plant sterol supplement lowered the serum cholesterol by 25% (P< 0.05) and the MPS diet by 35% (P< 0.001) compared with HCD by the end of the 12-week experiment. Interestingly, the plant sterol supplements also produced a marked reduction in serum ubiquinone levels, suggesting a possible effect on isoprene synthesis. Unlike the powdered plant sterol, both MPS and plain rape-seed oil decreased the serum baseline diene conjugation values, suggesting that they protect against oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation in rats. This lipid peroxidation diminishing effect is probably due to some antioxidative components in rapeseed oil. These findings indicate that an unesterified plant sterol, such as the microcrystalline suspension in oil, effectively prevents cholesterol absorption in obese Zucker rats.

Dietary quality 1 year after diagnosis of coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this ancillary study is to determine the quality of diets in patients with documented coronary heart disease (CHD).

DESIGN

Dietary data were originally collected using a 24-hour dietary recall in 555 patients with CHD, 1 year after a diagnostic coronary angiography. Data used for this investigation were collected between March 2001 and November 2003.

SUBJECTS/SETTING

Patients were participants in a clinical trial to improve adherence to lipid-lowering medications. The Alternate Healthy Eating Index, an instrument designed to evaluate the degree to which a diet has the potential to prevent cardiovascular disease, measured dietary quality.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Linear regression models were used to assess the association of dietary quality with patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Mean age of participants was 61 years, with an average body mass index of 30 (calculated as kg/m(2)). Sixty percent were men. Average daily caloric intake was 1,775 kcal, with 50% of calories derived from carbohydrates, 18% from protein, and 32% from total fat. Average Alternate Healthy Eating Index score was 30.8 out of a possible maximum score of 80. Only 12.4% of subjects met the recommended consumption of vegetables, 7.8% for fruit, 8% for cereal fiber, and 5.2% for trans-fat intake. Lower dietary quality was associated with lower total caloric intake, as well as with smoking, obesity, and lower educational level.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of patients reported poor dietary quality 1 year after experiencing a coronary event. Our data support continued efforts to enhance healthful dietary changes over time for secondary prevention of CHD. Dietary change should be emphasized with CHD patients who are less educated, smokers, or obese.

Acute coronary syndromes: extending medical intervention for five days before proceeding to revascularization

Intensive medical therapy before percutaneous coronary intervention appears to improve results in patients with unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI). In this review of treatment strategies for patients with acute coronary syndromes, an "aggressive conservative" approach based on that used in the FRagmin and Fast Revascularisation during InStability in Coronary artery disease (FRISC II) trial is recommended. In FRISC II, an early (but not emergent) invasive therapeutic procedure undertaken within 7 days of starting open-label dalteparin lowered the risk of death and MI in moderate- and high-risk patients and resulted in better and more rapid symptom relief and fewer hospital readmissions than the noninvasive approach. The early treatment period represents a critical juncture in the spectrum of care for patients with unstable angina and affords physicians the best opportunity to educate them about the importance of risk factor modification. Informed consent is also an important issue, particularly in the event of ad hoc coronary intervention. The optimal treatment plan must include considerations of length of hospitalization, medication requirements, and the potential for symptom recurrence or need for hospital readmission. Finally, tailoring therapy for individual patients and establishing appropriate timing of procedures will help ensure the best possible outcome.