Effect of Flaxseed Powder on Cardiovascular Risk Factor in Dyslipidemic and Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Background: Hyperlipidemia and hypertension are the most important causes of ischemic
heart disease. There is evidence that flaxseed powder can improve lipid profile and blood
pressure. In this study, we want to investigate the effects of flaxseed powder consumption
on patients with hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

Methods: This randomized double‑blind
placebo‑controlled clinical trial was performed on 80 hyperlipidemic and hypertensive patients
(men and women between 20 and 60 years old). In this study, participants were recruited from Imam
Khomeini hospital clinics of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2017 randomly allocated
to flaxseed powder group and placebo group. The intervention group received 36 g of flaxseed
sachet (n = 40), and control group received 12 g placebo sachet (n = 40) for 8 weeks. Serum lipid
profiles, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and anthropometric indices were measured. Data were
analyzed by using SPSS.

Results: We found significant reduction (P < 0.001) in anthropometric
indices (waist circumference and waist‑to‑hip ratio) and lipid profiles (triglycerides [P = 0.015], total
cholesterol [P = 0.018], and low‑density lipoprotein [P < 0.001]) within flaxseed group in comparison
with placebo group.

Conclusions: Based on beneficial effects of flaxseed on cardiovascular risk
factors, it seems that flaxseed consumption can be considered as a useful therapeutic approach for
reducing lipid profile and anthropometric indices.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases, flax, hyperlipidemias, hypertension