We aimed to identify clinical and vascular parameters of treated hypertensive patients who present beneficial effects of dark chocolate for one-week period on vascular function.
Recent findings indicate an inverse relationship between cardiovascular disease and consumption of flavonoids. We aimed to identify clinical and vascular parameters of treated hypertensive patients who present beneficial effects of dark chocolate for one-week period on vascular function. Twenty-one hypertensive patients in drug therapy, both genders, aged 40-65 years, were included in a prospective study with measurement of blood pressure, brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT) and central hemodynamic parameters by SphygmoCor. After seven days of eating dark chocolate (70% cocoa) 75g/day, the clinical and vascular evaluation were repeated. Patients were divided into two groups according to the response in FMD: responders (increase in FMD, n=12) and non-responders (no improvement in FMD, n=9).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
21
70% cocoa
Hospital Universitario Pedro Ernesto
Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Endothelial function
Endothelial function evaluated by peripheral arterial tonometry and by flow-mediated dilation of brachial artery
Time frame: One week
Blood pressure
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels evaluated by an automatic device
Time frame: One week
Central hemodynamic parameters
Aortic systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure evaluated by SphygmoCor. Vascular stiffness parameters such as augmentation pressure and augmentation index will also be evaluated.
Time frame: One week
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.