P1.21 CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROSIS EXPRESSED BY INCREASED INTIMA MEDIA THICKNESS IS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW ADHERENCE TO MEDITERRANEAN DIET IN ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, legumes and vegetables is a healthy dietary pattern, gaining widely recognition as a non-pharmaceutical mean of cardiovascular disease prevention, due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Erectile dysfunction (ED), represents an early marker of vascular damage, reflecting endothelial dysfunction and subclinical inflammation. Increased carotid IMT (>0,9mm) relates to traditional risk factors and associates with an unfavorable cardiovascular outcome. Our study aims to investigate the association of Mediterranean diet to carotid atherosclerosis in ED patients. Methods: 45 ED patients (aged 56±11 years) underwent carotid ultrasound for evaluation of intima media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid artery. Assessment of dietary habits was evaluated through the Med-Diet Score (theoretical range 0–55). Higher values on the score indicate healthier dietary habits. Results: Med-diet score was significantly associated with age (r=−0.215, P<0.05) systolic and pulse pressure (r=−0.198, r=−0.277 respectively, all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis was applied and revealed that Med Diet Score was inversely associated with IMT (r=−0.43, P<0.001, figure) after adjustment for history and treatment of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, as well as use of statins and smoking. Patients with a mean IMT >0.9 mm had significantly lower Med-Diet Score as compared to subjects with lower IMT values (27±4 vs 33±5, P<0.05). Conclusions: The inverse association between Med-Diet Score and carotid IMT, indicates an unhealthy dietary life style in ED patients that contributes to an adverse cardiovascular profile and may help in preventing further vascular damage by adapting healthier dietary habits.