Pulses: Optimizing Pulse Consumption for Cardiometabolic Health

Change in serum LDL cholesterol

LDL cholesterol will be measured using a standard lipid panel. Blood samples will be collected after an overnight fast and analyzed using standardized laboratory methods. LDL cholesterol will be reported in mg/dL. Minimum Value: 0 mg/dL (theoretically, though not physiologically possible). Maximum value: No absolute upper limit, but values above 190 mg/dL are considered very high and associated with significant cardiovascular risk. Interpretation: \<100 mg/dL (Optimal, low risk). ≥190 mg/dL (Very high, significantly increased cardiovascular risk).

Change in serum HbA1c

HbA1c will be measured using standard laboratory methods (such as high-performance liquid chromatography or immunoassay) to assess the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. Blood samples will be collected at the specified time points. Minimum Value: 0% (theoretically, though not physiologically possible). Maximum Value: There is no absolute upper limit, but values above 15% are typically associated with severe uncontrolled diabetes. Interpretation: Normal: \<5.7%. Diabetes: ≥6.5% (diagnostic threshold for diabetes, confirmed by a repeat test). Diabetes: ≥6.5% (diagnostic threshold for diabetes, confirmed by a repeat test).

Change in Brachial Blood Pressure

Blood pressure will be measured using a standardized sphygmomanometer or an automated digital device. Measurements will be taken after the patient has been at rest for at least 5 minutes. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures will be recorded in mmHg at specified time points. Minimum Value: 0 mmHg (theoretically, though not physiologically possible). Maximum Value: There is no absolute upper limit, but very high values, typically above 200/120 mmHg, represent hypertensive crisis and require immediate medical intervention. Interpretation: Normal: Systolic \<120mmHg, Diastolic \<80mmHg. Hypertension Above: Systolic 130-139mmHg, Diastolic: 80-89mmHg

Change in serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

CRP levels will be measured using a high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) blood test to assess systemic inflammation. A decrease in CRP levels will indicate a reduction in inflammation, potentially reflecting treatment efficacy. Minimum Value: \<0.3 mg/L (considered normal). Maximum Value: \>10 mg/L (indicative of significant inflammation or infection). Interpretation: \<1 mg/L → Low risk of inflammation (cardiovascular risk assessment); \>10 mg/L → Suggests acute infection or chronic inflammatory disease.

Change in serum Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol levels will be measured through a fasting blood test to assess lipid profile changes. A decrease in total cholesterol levels may indicate improved lipid metabolism and reduced cardiovascular risk. Minimum Value: \<125 mg/dL (low cholesterol, potential nutritional deficiencies). Maximum Value: \>240 mg/dL (high cholesterol, increased cardiovascular risk)

Change in serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C)

HDL-C levels will be measured through a fasting blood test to assess changes in cardioprotective lipid levels. An increase in HDL-C is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Minimum Value: \<20 mg/dL (severely low, high cardiovascular risk). Maximum Value: \>100 mg/dL (uncommon, but very high levels may have unclear clinical significance)

Change in Serum Triglyceride (TG)

Triglyceride levels will be measured through a fasting blood test to assess lipid metabolism. A reduction in triglyceride levels may indicate improved cardiovascular and metabolic health. Minimum Value: \<30 mg/dL (low levels, potentially associated with malnutrition or metabolic conditions). Minimum Value: \<30 mg/dL (low levels, potentially associated with malnutrition or metabolic conditions)

Change in Diet Quality Score (Healthy Eating Index - HEI)

Diet quality will be assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015 or HEI-2020), which evaluates adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A higher HEI score indicates better diet quality, associated with improved health outcomes. Minimum Value: 0 (poor diet quality, minimal adherence to dietary guidelines). Maximum Value: 100 (optimal diet quality, full adherence to dietary guidelines).