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Cardiovascular Disease

In the United States, coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women. This disease is characterized by a buildup of cholesterol-filled plaque in the coronary arteries - the arteries that feed the heart. This causes them to become hard and narrow, a process referred to as atherosclerosis. Total blockage of a coronary artery produces a heart attack. High intake of dietary fiber has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease in a number of large studies.

High Blood Cholesterol

Too much cholesterol in the blood may cause fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits make it difficult for enough blood to flow through the arteries. The heart may not get as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs, which increases the risk of a heart attack.

Causes of High Blood Cholesterol

Cholesterol is carried through your blood attached to proteins. The cholesterol-protein package is called a lipoprotein. The main types of lipoproteins are:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL, or "bad," cholesterol transports cholesterol throughout your body. LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL, or "good," cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.

Some factors that can be controlled - such as inactivity, obesity and an unhealthy diet - contribute to high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. Other factors such as genetic makeup may play a role, too.

High Blood Triglycerides

The magic number for total cholesterol is 200. A blood cholesterol level exceeding that number may be cause for concern. But another type of fatty substance found in the blood, known as triglycerides , may also need to be monitored in the effort to prevent heart disease.

An elevation of blood triglycerides is referred to as hypertriglyceridemia . The blood test to measure triglyceride levels is easy and can be done in conjunction with a routine blood test that also measures various types of cholesterol.

Fiber Benefits for Cardiovascular Disease

Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol levels by binding cholesterol in the intestinal tract and increasing its elimination from the body. Recent studies indicate that soluble fiber, like the kind found in Konsyl, may lower overall cholesterol levels. These studies show that decreasing fat intake and increasing consumption of soluble fiber can help lower LDL levels - the "bad" cholesterol. LDL is the type of cholesterol that can clog arteries and lead to heart disease. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician.

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Learn how Konsyl Fiber and Supplements can help with other conditions:
Constipation | Constipation in Women | Hemorrhoids | Diverticulitus | Diabetes | Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Pregnancy | Cholesterol & Heart Disease | Colon Health | Weight Management