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Can Beta Sitosterol Cause Irregular Heart Beats?

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Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014
Question: I've done a lot of research on my problem. I have irregular heartbeat/ cardiac arrhythmia. I found that too much beta sitosterol may be causing this, which I had been taking for a few years for my prostate. So I am stopping it for now. It may have given me sitosterolemia.
Is there anything else I can do to correct this problem?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Sitosterol and cardiac arrhythmia

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
β-sitosterol is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).It can bind to the prostate to help reduce swelling (inflammation).
High levels of β-sitosterol concentrations in blood have been correlated with increased severity of heart disease in men.
β-Sitosterol is not recommended for individuals with sitosterolemia, a rare inherited fat storage disease. In sitosterolemia, the intestinal absorption of sterols is increased and biliary excretion of the sterols is reduced, resulting in increased plasma and tissue levels of both plant sterols and cholesterol.

1.You can undergo test for the plasma level of sitosterol using gas chromatography;Sitosterolemia is diagnosed by demonstrating an increase in the plasma level of sitosterol.
2.You can also go for your serum lipid profile to know your cholesterol level.
The hypercholesterolemia does not respond to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors e.g statins, whereas bile acid sequestrants and cholesterol-absorption inhibitors such as ezetimibe, are effective in reducing plasma sterol levels in sitosterolemia.
3.You need to undergo ECG recording and evaluation by cardiologist to know exactly the nature of cardiac arrhythmia.









Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)
Thank you Doctor. The article that I read, said extra Beta Sitostorol CAUSED sitosterolemia. What do you think of this?
So I am not taking any more Beta S. for my prostate. Do you think the decreased flow in my arteries will improve and INCREASE now? after maybe 6 months? ( I am going on 21 day vegetable juice only fast to clean me out)

Nameste'
doctor
Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Beta Sitostorol and cardiac disorder

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Since you have some cardiac problem it is wise to stop Beta Sitostorol .
Once elevated cholesterol comes down,consequent atherosclerosis of coronary arteries will regress and coronary blood flow will improve. You may test your serum lipid profile now and repeat it, after say one month and then after 3 months.







Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1975

Answered : 1920 Questions

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Can Beta Sitosterol Cause Irregular Heart Beats?

Brief Answer: Sitosterol and cardiac arrhythmia Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns. β-sitosterol is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).It can bind to the prostate to help reduce swelling (inflammation). High levels of β-sitosterol concentrations in blood have been correlated with increased severity of heart disease in men. β-Sitosterol is not recommended for individuals with sitosterolemia, a rare inherited fat storage disease. In sitosterolemia, the intestinal absorption of sterols is increased and biliary excretion of the sterols is reduced, resulting in increased plasma and tissue levels of both plant sterols and cholesterol. 1.You can undergo test for the plasma level of sitosterol using gas chromatography;Sitosterolemia is diagnosed by demonstrating an increase in the plasma level of sitosterol. 2.You can also go for your serum lipid profile to know your cholesterol level. The hypercholesterolemia does not respond to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors e.g statins, whereas bile acid sequestrants and cholesterol-absorption inhibitors such as ezetimibe, are effective in reducing plasma sterol levels in sitosterolemia. 3.You need to undergo ECG recording and evaluation by cardiologist to know exactly the nature of cardiac arrhythmia. Regards Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX