Abstract P365: Effects of a Health Partner Intervention on Arterial Health

Introduction: Lifestyle modification is effective for cardiovascular disease prevention. Whether lifestyle intervention also preserves vascular health is less clear. Our study examined the role of a Health Partner-administered lifestyle intervention on vascular function.Hypothesis: Lifestyle intervention improves and preserves vascular function.Methods: A total of 711 university employees (48±11 years, 66% women, 22.5% Black) enrolled in a program that promoted healthier lifestyles at Emory University. Participants collaborated with a Health Partner to generate a personalized plan focused on achieving ideal health metrics. Anthropometric, laboratory and vascular function measurements were performed at baseline and at 1-year and 2-years of follow-up. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and radial tonometry-derived central augmentation index. Microvascular function was assessed as digital reactive hyperemia index. Flow-mediated dilation was measured using ultrasound. The sample was divided into individuals within the lowest tertile and those in the upper two tertiles for vascular function at baseline. Paired t-test was used to assess the changes in vascular functions at 1 and 2 years of follow-up compared to baseline.Results: At each of the 1-year and 2-year follow-up visits, vascular function improved in the group within the abnormal tertile at baseline. Flow-mediated dilation increased by 1.6% and 2.0% (Pu003c0.001) respectively, pulse wave velocity decreased by 0.85 m/s and 0.93 m/s (Pu003c0.001), central augmentation index was lower by 3.4 and 3.2 (Pu003c0.001), and microvascular function assessed by reactive hyperemia index improved by 0.48 and 0.52 (Pu003c0.001). In those within the upper two tertiles, pulse wave velocity did not significantly change, but flow-mediated dilation and reactive hyperemia index showed significant decline at 2 years of follow up.Conclusion: A personalized, goal directed Health Partner intervention was associated with better vascular stiffness, endothelial and microvascular function in those with baseline abnormal values. These effects were evident at 1 year following enrollment and were sustained for 2 years. Whether the impact of Health Partner intervention on vascular function improves long-term morbidity and mortality needs further investigation in a controlled design.