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Most cardiovascular diseases are the result of atherosclerosis
or hardening of the artery walls due to build up of plaque
containing cholesterol, fatty material, and cellular debris. For
example, heart disease usually refers to a restriction or
blockage of the coronary arteries which supply the heart with
oxygen and nutrients. When the blood flow through these arteries
is severely blocked because of the build up of
cholesterol-containing plaque, death to the heart muscle can
occur; this results in what is commonly known as a heart attack.
Atherosclerosis and its complications are the major causes of
death in the North America and have reached epidemic proportions
throughout the Western world. Heart attacks, strokes, and other
cardiovascular diseases related to atherosclerosis are
responsible for roughly 43% of all deaths in the U.S.
Atherosclerosis is a degenerative condition of the arteries
characterized by accumulation of lipids (mainly cholesterol)
within the artery. The atherosclerotic plaque, is the result of
a long, slow and insidious process. Although any artery may be
affected, the aorta, coronary and arteries supplying the brain
are frequently involved.
The first step in the prevention and treatment of
heart disease and
strokes is the reduction of blood cholesterol levels. The
evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that elevated cholesterol
levels are deadly. However, not all cholesterol is bad; it
serves many vital functions in the body including the
manufacture of sex hormones and bile acids. Without cholesterol
many body processes would not function properly. Cholesterol is
transported in the blood by molecules known as lipoproteins.
Cholesterol bound to low density lipoprotein (LDL) is often
referred to as the "bad cholesterol" while cholesterol bound to
high density lipoprotein (HDL) is referred to as the "good
cholesterol". LDL cholesterol increases the risk for
heart disease,
strokes, and high blood
pressure while HDL cholesterol actually protects against
heart disease. LDL transports
cholesterol to the tissues. HDL, on the other hand, transports
cholesterol to the liver for metabolism and excretion from the
body. Therefore the LDL-to-HDL ratio (a.k.a. the cardiac risk
factor ratio) determines whether cholesterol is being deposited
into tissues or broken down and excreted. The risk for
heart disease can be reduced
dramatically by lowering LDL cholesterol while simultaneously
raising HDL cholesterol levels. Research has shown that for
every 1% drop in the LDL cholesterol level, the risk for a heart
attack drops by 2%. Conversely, for every 1% increase in HDL
levels the risk for a heart attack drops 3 to 4%.
In addition to keeping an eye on your cholesterol level, it is
also important to keep the level of triglycerides in the proper
range. Here are the recommended levels of blood cholesterol and
triglycerides:
- Total cholesterol - less than 200 mg/dl
- LDL cholesterol - less than 130 mg/dl
- HDL cholesterol - greater than 35 mg/dl
- LDL to HDL ratio, - less than 4.5
- Triglycerides - 50 to 150 mg/dl
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids and Cholesterol
Scientific studies have shown normalization of blood lipids
(fats) in hyper-lipidemic individuals when supplemented with
Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Decreases in harmful LDL
cholesterol, increases in favorable HDL cholesterol, and
reduction of triglyceride levels have been demonstrated.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids have the uncanny ability to break
down cholesterol in the lining of blood vessels, as well as
serving as a solvent for saturated fats in the diet. The end
result is less cholesterol in the body and blood stream, and a
reduced likelihood of cholesterol/heart disease complications in
the future.
The beneficial effects of Omega-3 essential fatty acids in
protecting as well as treating
cardiovascular disease are quite obvious. Omega-3 essential
fatty acids impact numerous factors linked to
heart attacks and
strokes. They lower LDL-cholesterol levels and
triglycerides, inhibit excessive platelet aggregation, lower
fibrinogen levels, and lower both
systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with
high blood pressure. MegaOmega™
Organic Sprouted Flax offers the most cost effective and
beneficial method for increasing the intake of Omega-3 essential
fatty acids in the diet.
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