Abstract 18493: The Effect of Eating Frequency on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and Carotid Intima Media Thickness: The Corinthia Study

Introduction: Dietary patterns have been associated with cardiovascular disease. Accumulating evidence suggests the importance role of eating frequency (etFr) on cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis progression. Hypothesis: Frequent meal consumption may affect cardiovascular risk factors and protect against atherosclerosis. Methods: The study was conducted on a subgroup population of Corinthia study consisted of 923 (aged 38-91, 435 males) subjects. IMT was measured in the left and right common carotid artery, carotid bulb and internal carotid artery. The average of the measurements (combinedIMT) was determined as representative value of carotid atherosclerosis burden. Standard questionnaires, medical history and physical examination were used to record several demographic and clinical characteristics as well as eating preferences. Results: Median number of meals per day was 2 (1-3) in our study. Subjects consuming > 3 meals/day were female (p<0.001) or younger (64±12y vs. 62±12y, p=0.05) compa...