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Quest Vitamins LTD,
8 Venture Way,
Aston Science Park,
Birmingham,
B7 4AP.

Tel: 0121 359 0056
Fax: 0121 359 0313
Email: info@questvitamins.co.uk
Registered in England No. 2530437

High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)

DESCRIPTION

High cholesterol is characterised by elevated blood levels of LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol, a fat-soluble alcohol, normally combines with fats (lipids) in the blood. The lipid-cholesterol complex then links to protein, thereby forming a lipoprotein. As cholesterol proportions increase, the density of lipoproteins decreases. Low-density lipoprotein, called type LDL, contributes significantly to hypercholesterolemia. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) does not contain elevated levels of cholesterol, and therefore does not contribute to hypercholesterolemia.

Because blood consists of mostly water, and fat is not soluble in water, LDL cholesterol clumps together and clings to the walls of veins and arteries. If allowed to continue, this buildup can eventually lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, Atherosclerosis, Obesity, heart attack, and Stroke.

Causes of high cholesterol include a diet high in animal fats, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetics. The most effective way to prevent this disease is to exercise regularly and avoid animal fats. Studies have shown that consumption of HDL cholesterol, present in some vegetable fats, can actually reduce the risk of hypercholesterolemia.

HERBS

Goldenseal (7)
Hawthorn (6)

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

B Complex
Calcium (1)
Coenzyme Q10 (2)
Garlic (3)
Lecithin
Vitamin C (4)
Vitamin E (5)

REFERENCES

1. Bell L, et al. Cholesterol-lowering effects of Calcium carbonate in patients with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. Arch Intern Med 152: 2441-2444, 1992.
2. Yamagami T, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine: Studies on coenzyme Q-10 and essential Hypertension. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1975; 11:273.
3. Mader FH. Treatment of hyperlipidaemia with Garlic-powder tablets: evidence from the German Association of General Practitioners' multicentric placebo-controlled double-blind study. Arzneimittelforschung 40(10): 1111-1116, 1990.
4. Osilesi O, et al. Blood pressure and plasma lipids during ascorbic acid supplementation in borderline hypertensive and normotensive adults. Nutr Res 1991; 11:405-12.
5. Gey KF, et al. Inverse correlation between plasma Vitamin E and mortality from ischemic heart disease in cross-cultural epidemiology. Amer J Clin Nutri 1991; 53:326S-334S.
6. Uchida S, et al. Inhibitory effects of condensed tannins on angiotensin converting enzyme. Jap J Pharmacol 1987; 43:242-5.
7. Wei-min H, et al: Beneficial effects of berberine on hemodynamics during acute ischemic left ventricular failure in dogs, Chinese Medical Journal, 105(12), 1992, p 1014-1019.

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