Heart disease is a leading cause of death and disability in Canada. Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. This condition occurs when blood vessels that lead to the heart become blocked with fatty deposits, and is often caused by having too much cholesterol in the blood.

Cholesterol – Lowering Effects of Psyllium Fibre

Keeping your blood cholesterol at a healthy level can help lower your risk of heart disease. Eating cereals with psyllium fibre is an easy first step to reducing your bad cholesterol levels.

• Clinical studies have shown that eating cereals with psyllium fibre every day as part of a healthy diet can lower your bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) by up to 10% in as little as 4 weeks.†
• A 10% reduction in cholesterol can lower your risk of heart disease by an average of 20%.

Learn more about Ways to Lower Your Blood Cholesterol.

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Risk Factors for Heart Disease

There are a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of developing heart disease. Having just one of these factors can increase your risk, while having more than one can put you at even greater risk. Some of these risk factors can be treated or controlled.

Risk factors that you can influence:

• High blood cholesterol
  Too much cholesterol in your blood can cause fatty deposits to build up inside and block the vessels that supply blood to your heart. Learn about Ways to Lower Your Blood Cholesterol.
• Being a smoker
  If you smoke you are much more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers.
• High blood pressure
  High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart.
• Physical activity
  Regular exercise can help control blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Physical activity can also help you manage your weight and the stress in your life.
• Being overweight
  If you're overweight or obese you are more likely to develop high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. All of these conditions put you at greater risk for heart disease.
• Diabetes
  If you have diabetes, especially if it is not well controlled, your risk of heart disease is increased.
• Stress
  Stress can contribute to other risk factors. For example, some people who are under stress may overeat, start smoking or smoke more.

Risk factors that you can not change:

• Age
  As you get older you are more likely to develop heart disease.
• Gender
  At younger ages, men have a greater risk of developing heart disease.
• Family history
  People who have parents or grandparents who had heart disease at the young age are at increased risk. For some people, high cholesterol is an inherited condition.
• Ethnicity
  Some populations are at higher risk.

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Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

A healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Know your blood cholesterol and keep it at a healthy level.
• Studies have shown eating cereals with psyllium fibre as part of a healthy diet can lower bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) by up to 10% in just 4 weeks† - this can reduce your risk of heart disease by an average of 20%.
• Learn about the Health Benefits of Eating Psyllium Fibre.
• Don't smoke.
• Keep your blood pressure down if it is high.
• Get regular exercise.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
• If you have diabetes, take steps to manage it and control other risk factors.
• Learn how to manage the stress in your life.

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† Based on results of a meta-analysis in J Nutr.1997 Oct;127(10):1973-80. Individual results may vary. Talk to your doctor about cholesterol lowering therapy.