Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) Improves Vascular Endothelial Function and Hemodynamic Parameters in Patients with Hyperlipidemia: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/

Objectives

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent findings from our Institute indicate that its bioactive compounds enhance lipid metabolism, suggesting EVOO as a promising nutritional intervention for hyperlipidemic patients. This clinical study aimed to evaluate the effects of EVOO consumption on vascular endothelial function and hemodynamic parameters in hyperlipidemic individuals, while comparing two EVOO types differing in polyphenol content and dosage.

Methods

This post hoc analysis included 70 participants: 50 patients with hyperlipidemia and 20 healthy controls. All participants consumed EVOO daily for four weeks. Hyperlipidemic patients were randomized into two subgroups: one receiving high-phenolic EVOO at a low dose and another receiving low-phenolic EVOO at a high dose, ensuring equivalent total polyphenol intake. Vascular endothelial function, assessed via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), served as the primary endpoint, while arterial blood pressure and heart rate were secondary endpoints. Statistical analyses employed mixed linear models.

Results

Hyperlipidemic patients exhibited significant improvements in endothelial function, with increased reperfusion rate (p = 0.010) and oxygen consumption rate (p < 0.001) compared to controls. Reductions in maximum hyperemia time (p = 0.004) and hyperemia recovery time (p < 0.05) further indicated enhanced vascular function. Diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.007) and heart rate (p = 0.004) decreased significantly. Among subgroups, high-phenolic EVOO at lower doses was more effective in reducing systolic blood pressure (p = 0.049) and improving reperfusion rate (p = 0.049).

Conclusions

EVOO consumption improved endothelial function and hemodynamic parameters in hyperlipidemic patients, with high-phenolic EVOO demonstrating superior vascular benefits at lower doses.