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Reduction of Triglycerides in Women on Hormone Replacement Therapy

Phase 2
Completed
Conditions
Cardiovascular Diseases
Atherosclerosis
Postmenopause
Heart Diseases
Interventions
Behavioral: Diet, fat-restricted
Behavioral: Exercise
Registration Number
NCT00023543
Lead Sponsor
University of Pittsburgh
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to test the effect of lifestyle intervention on subclinical cardiovascular disease measures in women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Detailed Description

BACKGROUND:

Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in older women. Better methods of prevention via health promotion are needed. Estrogen HRT may beneficially affect women's cardiovascular health, based on evidence from observational studies, but recent trial evidence suggests HRT may actually lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease in new users. Understanding this untoward effect of HRT and how to prevent it is a significant aim.

DESIGN NARRATIVE:

This randomized trial of 500 women on HRT for at least two years, aged 52-60 years, and three or more years postmenopausal will test whether reduction in waist circumference, triglycerides, dense low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), number of LDL particles, C-reactive protein, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-I (PAI-I) by aggressive diet and exercise, versus a health education control, and will decrease progression or result in regression of measures of subclinical vascular disease. The intervention is designed to reduce total fat intake to 17 percent of calories, 1300 kilo calories, and increase moderate activity to 150-240 minutes per week to obtain a 10 percent reduction in weight. The primary endpoint will be a 20 percent or at least a 20 mg decrease in triglyceride levels, a 5 cm decrease in waist circumference, and a 10 percent decrease in LDLc. This will result in changes in subclinical measurements, including carotid ultrasound, electron beam computer tomography of the coronary artery and aorta, pulse wave velocity, endothelial function, and tonometry of the radial artery. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of lipoproteins, inflammatory markers, and estrogen metabolites will also be evaluated.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
508
Inclusion Criteria
  • On HRT for at least two years
  • Women 52 to 60 years of age
  • Three or more years postmenopausal
  • Waist circumference greater than 80 cm
  • LDLc between 100 and 160 mg/dl
  • Body mass index 25-39.9 kg/m2
  • Blood Pressure less than 160/95 mm Hg
  • Beck Depression Inventory Score less than 20
Exclusion Criteria
  • Current use of cholesterol-lowering medication
  • Diagnosis of diabetes
  • On diabetes medication

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
1Diet, fat-restrictedParticipants will reduce total fat intake to 17 percent of calories, 1300 kilo calories, and increase moderate activity to 150-240 minutes per week to obtain a 10 percent reduction in weight.
1ExerciseParticipants will reduce total fat intake to 17 percent of calories, 1300 kilo calories, and increase moderate activity to 150-240 minutes per week to obtain a 10 percent reduction in weight.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Measures of subclinical disease5 years
Change in coronary calcium (EBCT)5 years
Change in carotid intima media wall thickness5 years
Change in vascular stiffness (PWV)5 years
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in HDL particles5 years
Change in waist circumference and weight5 years
Change in LDL particles, triglycerides and small, medium and large LDL particles5 years
Change in insulin and glucose5 years
Change in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure5 years

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Pittsburgh

🇺🇸

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

University of Pittsburgh
🇺🇸Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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