Is dietary fiber beneficial in chronic ischemic heart disease?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the benefit of a dietary fiber preparation (Fibernat) in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD).


METHODS
From January 1997 to March 1998, 114 consecutive patients with chronic IHD were enrolled in this prospective double blind randomized placebo controlled trial. The fiber (F) and placebo (P) groups were comparable at baseline. All patients were given advice regarding dietary and lifestyle modifications. Concomitant drug therapy was not altered. The drug (consisting of soluble and insoluble fibers obtained from fenugreek, guar gum and wheat bran) and placebo were administered for six months (10 grams twice daily).


RESULTS
The following parameters improved in both groups: HDL cholesterol (32 to 39 mg/dl, p < 0.0009 in F and 33 to 38, p < 0.007 in P), total: HDL cholesterol ratio (6.7 to 5.6, p < 0.0007 in F and from 7.0 to 6.0, p < 0.01 in P) and weight (64.0 to 63.0 kg, p < 0.002 in F and 60.3 to 59.5, p < 0.002 in P). The Apolipoprotein B increased (101 to 129 mg/dl, p < 0.00001 in F and 98 to 127, p < 0.0008 in P). The following parameters improved only in group F: LDL cholesterol (146 to 134, p < 0.027), Apolipoprotein A-1 (105 to 139, p < 0.001), body mass index (24.9 to 24.5, p < 0.03) and waist circumference (37.2 to 36.7, p < 0.03). Total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, hip circumference, W:H ratio, exercise time and blood sugar were unchanged in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Fibernat is well tolerated, safe and had favorable effects on LDL cholesterol, Apolipoprotein A-1, body mass index and waist circumference.
Vajifdar
B U
BU
Department of Cardiology, KEM Hospital, Mumbai.
Goyal
V S
VS
Lokhandwala
Y Y
YY
Mhamunkar
S R
SR
Mahadik
S P
SP
Gawad
A K
AK
Halankar
S A
SA
Kulkarni
H L
HL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I / Q000097:blood; D001055:Apolipoproteins B / Q000097:blood; D001824:Body Constitution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002411:Cation Exchange Resins; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I; D001055:Apolipoproteins B; D002411:Cation Exchange Resins; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D004043:Dietary Fiber