Carotid artery disease, or narrowing of the blood vessels in the neck, is caused by the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits. Carotid artery disease can lead to complete blockage of the blood vessel and an increased risk for stroke. According to research published online March 1, 2010 in the journal Circulation, two-year weight loss diets can induce reversal of carotid artery disease.

An international group of researchers performed a 2-year trial called the Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial-Carotid (DIRECT-Carotid) study in order to determine whether diet-based weight loss interventions could lead to regression of carotid artery disease. In the DIRECT-Carotid study, participants with an average age of 51 years were randomized to one of three diets – low-fat, Mediterranean, or low-carbohydrate. They were then followed for changes in their carotid artery wall thickness and volume. After 2 years of dietary intervention, the researchers found a 5% regression in carotid artery wall volume, regardless of the diet type. Participants who exhibited carotid artery wall volume regression achieved greater weight loss and greater decreases in blood pressure than those participants who experienced progression of their carotid artery disease.

Based on the findings of this study, weight loss, regardless of the type of diet used, may lead to reversal of carotid artery disease. Although further studies are needed to determine whether this regression leads to a decreased risk of stroke, this non-invasive intervention offers a potentially promising approach for reducing stoke among individuals with carotid artery disease.

Source:

Circulation, published ahead of print 1 March 2010.