P.55 Dietary Nitrate Prevents Progression of Carotid Subclinical Atherosclerosis Through BP-Independent Mechanisms in Patients with or at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Results from the Double-Blind, Randomized-Controlled, Factorial Vasera Trial

Epidemiological and animal studies suggest the potential of dietary nitrate (NO3− ) to inhibit atherogenesis. Spironolactone may improve arterial stiffness. We tested if 6 months’ intervention with dietary nitrate and spironolactone could affect carotid subclinical atherosclerosis and stiffness versus placebo/doxazosin, to control for blood pressure (BP), in a population with or at risk of type 2 diabetes [1]. A subgroup of participants in our double-blind, randomized-controlled, factorial VaSera trial were randomized to nitrate-containing beetroot juice or nitrate-depleted juice, and spironolactone or doxazosin. Ultrasound for carotid diameter (CD, mm) and intima-media thickness (CIMT, mm) was performed at baseline, 3- and 6-months. Carotid stiffness (CS, m/s) was estimated from aortic pulse pressure (Arteriograph®) and carotid lumen area. Data was analysed by modified intention-to-treat and mixed-model effect, adjusted for confounders. 93 participants had a baseline evaluation; 86