Have you ever thought that constipation could have a direct link to heart disease? Well it does.... A researcher study concluded that moderate and severe constipation has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in menopausal women. Women who had experienced moderate and severe constipation experienced a higher risk of cardiovascular disease events (1). Symptoms of constipated have been associated with having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Although it has been shown that women experience constipation more often than men, being older in age increases that risk as well. Because constipation can be easily assessed, it may be helpful to assess treatment for constipation when screening for coronary risk factors (2). On the other hand, there are ways to improve constipation and decrease your chances of suffering from cardiovascular disease. Some ways that I have discovered that can help over come constipation is through lifestyle changes. Increasing your intake of dietary fiber, drinking more water, increase in green leafy vegetables, and regular exercise. References (1) http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/120/Suppl_18/S408.1 (2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3206560/