Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Endothelial Dysfunction — is a Predictor of Heart Attack and Stroke

May 9, 2008
Readers:
Mayo Clinic researchers have found that a weight gain of about 9 pounds in normal-weight, healthy young adults is apparently enough to interfere with normal blood vessel function. The vessel disorder called endothelial dysfunction — is a predictor of heart attack and stroke. On the plus side, researchers also found that shedding the gained weight restored proper blood vessel function.

Blood vessels are lined with endothelial cells. If these cells don't function properly, blood flow through the blood vessel can be impeded, setting the stage for a possible heart attack or stroke.

The Mayo Clinic study involved 43 normal-weight, healthy volunteers who had body mass indexes (BMIs) somewhere between 18.5 and 24.9. The average age was 29. Eight maintained their weight during the 16-week study. The rest ate to gain 9 pounds over the first eight weeks and then to lose that same amount over the next 8 weeks. Endothelial function was measured at the start of the study, after the weight gain and again once the weight was lost.

Until this study, effects of modest weight gain on endothelial dysfunction weren't known. Although a gain of 9 or 10 pounds is thought by many to be part of normal aging, this study suggests otherwise. Fortunately, Mayo Clinic researchers say it appears losing those few added pounds can improve the blood vessel problem.