The effects of an intensive lifestyle modification program on carotid artery intima-media thickness: a randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the effect of the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease on cardiovascular disease as measured by the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery and compared this effect to outcomes from patients participating in traditional cardiac rehabilitation.


METHODS
Randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Swedish American Health System.


METHODS
Ninety three patients with clinically confirmed coronary artery disease were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 46) or traditional cardiac rehabilitation (n = 47).


METHODS
Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease.


METHODS
Ultrasound of the carotid artery and other cardiovascular risk factors were measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months.


METHODS
Intent-to-treat analysis.


RESULTS
There was no significant reduction in the carotid intima-media thickness of the carotid artery in the Ornish group or the cardiac rehabilitation group. Ornish Program participants had significantly improved dietary habits (p < .001), weight (p < .001), and body mass index (p < .001) as compared with the rehabilitation group. The decrease in the number of patients with angina from baseline to 12 months was 44% in Ornish and 12% in cardiac rehabilitation.


CONCLUSIONS
The Ornish Program appears to causes improvements in cardiovascular risk factors but does not appear to change the atherosclerotic process as it affects the carotid artery.
College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA. steve_aldana@byu.edu
Steven G
SG
Aldana
Roger
R
Greenlaw
Audrey
A
Salberg
Ray M
RM
Merrill
Ron
R
Hager
Rick B
RB
Jorgensen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001786:Blood Glucose; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000473:pathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D004032:Diet; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids