PASADENA, CA–(Marketwire - May 28, 2008) - Keeping cholesterol at a healthy level is a major concern for millions of Americans. An estimated 33% of Americans have cardiovascular disease, it kills nearly 2,500 people a day and more than half are women. In fact, cardiovascular disease kills 16 times as many women as the next 16 causes of death combined.
Women in their post-menopausal years are at higher risk, especially those using estrogen therapy. However, according to a recent study, the risk is magnified in women who already have high cholesterol. Vitamin B complex, especially B3, B6, B12, folic acid and biotin, may help lower cholesterol, and the risk.
Cardiovascular disease is often related to cholesterol — the fat-like substance in the blood that builds up on the interior walls of the arteries. As the build-up accumulates, the interior diameter of the arteries narrows and blood flow to the heart is restricted. Blood clots can also form along arterial walls. The reduced blood flow can cause heart attacks; the blood clots can cause strokes.
The increase in heart disease for post-menopausal women has long been known. At one time it was assumed to be caused by the decrease in estrogen and, consequently, estrogen replacement therapy was thought to lower the risk. However, preliminary results of a 2000 study conducted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) indicated otherwise, and those results have subsequently been confirmed.
A new study, part of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) and sponsored by the NHLBI, found the risk to be even greater for woman who already have high cholesterol.
Numerous studies on the vitamin B complex components have found it effective at lowering cholesterol. In fact, at least one drug company is currently trying to get a vitamin B based medication on the market.
However, women who need to lower their cholesterol may have the answer in vitamin B complex supplements.
Lowering cholesterol is important for women’s health no matter what their age, but pre-menopausal and menopausal women would be wise to start taking vitamin B complex supplements immediately so they can lower their cholesterol prior to their post-menopausal years and the possible need for estrogen therapy.
More information about women’s health is available at http://www.feelgoodforlife.com.
Tags: arterial walls, arteries, blood flow, causes of death, estrogen replacement therapy, health initiative, high cholesterol, interior diameter, interior walls, lower cholesterol, lowering cholesterol, marketwire, menopausal women, national heart lung and blood institute, nhlbi, vitamin b complex, whi