The Effects of Pumpkin Seed Oil Supplementation on Vascular Hemodynamics, Stiffness and Cardiac Autonomic Function in Postmenopausal Women.
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- Sponsor
- Marymount University
- Enrollment
- 23
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Blood pressure
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 7 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Postmenopausal women have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) disease than age-match men. Growing evidence from rat studies have demonstrated CV-protective effects of pumpkin seed oil (PSO).
The investigators hypothesis is that PSO would improve CV health in postmenopausal women.
Detailed Description
The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of 6 weeks of PSO on arterial and autonomic function in postmenopausal women. Specific aims of the study are to: To investigate the extent to which PSO will improve cardiovascular disease risk factors by assessing arterial stiffness, aortic BP and wave reflection, and autonomic function (heart rate variability).
Investigators
Alexei Wong
Assistant Professor
Marymount University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •45 to 65 years of age
- •At least 1 year after menopause
- •BMI \<39.9
- •Sedentary or low active (less than 2 hr per wk)
Exclusion Criteria
- •known heart disease
- •peripheral vascular disease
- •diabetes, body mass index
- •BMI\> 40 kg/m2
- •other chronic diseases
- •taking medications (e.g., hormone replacement therapy, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants and stimulants) that could affect the outcome variables
- •history of steady exercise or received exercise training and dietary changes in the last year
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Blood pressure
Time Frame: 6 weeks
Non-invasive measures of brachial and aortic blood pressure
Pressure Wave Reflection
Time Frame: 6 weeks
Using the augmentation index
Arterial Stiffness
Time Frame: 6 weeks
Using the stiffness index
Heart rate variability
Time Frame: 6 weeks
R-R intervals were collected during 6 min using a validated wireless monitor (Polar 800CX; Polar Electro OY, Kempele, Finland) via a chest strap interfaced with a PC. All R-R intervals were inspected for artifacts and premature beats.