Relationship between Dietary Intake and Body Composition with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack

Population-based studies in many countries have shown that carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) has a positive relationship with stroke. Some studies have suggested that many of the foods or body composition have effect on the risk of stroke. However, previous studies have not investigated the relationship between dietary intake and body composition with carotid intima-media thickness. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary intakes and body compositions with carotid intima-media thickness in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA).
In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients (35 to 85 years old) with transient ischemic attack, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. The carotid intima-media thicknes was measured, usual dietary intakes was assessed and body composition was examined for each patient. Pearson’s correlation was used to examine the relationship between the carotid intima-media thickness and other variables.
Findings: The carotid intima-media thickness had a significant negative correlation with intake of linoleic acid and vitamin E, but there was not any relationship with other macronutrients and micronutrients. On the other hand, carotid intima-media thickness was significantly associated with body fat mass, visceral fat area, abdominal circumference, mineral and protein of body.
These data indicated that many of dietary intakes may not have any effect on carotid intima-media thickness but body fat and abdominal obesity indices may be associated with carotid intima-media thickness.