The best and the worst supplements for heart health, say doctors

Few are useful for heart health - and some do more harm than good.


Many of the best things you can do to protect your heart health are also important for your general health. Eat a Balanced diet , stay physically active, do not smoke, brake your consumption and manage stress All keys To prevent cardiovascular disease (MCV), as well as a range of other ailments. In addition to these strategies, some people are also looking for supplements to reduce their chances of a cardiovascular event. However, many cardiologists remain skeptical about these supplements and say they prefer that their patients do not explode with unproven pills and powders.

Laura fornos Verde , MD, MS, FACC, a cardiologist certified à la carte Consulting centers , said research has largely shown that heart health supplements not is worth the investment. "Many studies have evaluated the effects of several supplements in cardiovascular health and have so far not prevented or treated cardiovascular disease," she said Better life.

In fact, certain supplements which are billed as beneficial for heart health can do more harm than good. Wondering what some supplements can help and what others can harm? Read the rest for the best and the worst supplements for heart health, according to medical experts.

In relation: 12 supplements that you should never take together, say medical experts .

Best: Coenzyme Q10

Smiling young woman taking medication at home with glass of water
EternalCreative / ISTOC

Coenzyme Q10, also known as COQ10, is a powerful antioxidant It is naturally produced by your body. Although Verde says that it does not abandon your risk of heart disease, she notes that some studies suggest that this could reduce symptoms of muscle or weakness pain that may be associated with the use of statins, a hypocholesterole drug.

"In my practice, this is the only supplement I recommend and that I have succeeded, in patients intolerant to statins, but not in a coherent way, as studies show," she said.

However, Michelle Routhenstein , MS, DR, CDN, a cardiovascular dietitian in Entirely nourished , emphasizes that it is important to speak to your doctor before taking the COQ10, especially if you have been prescribed with heart health drugs.

"Individuals taking anticoagulant drugs like the Coumadin should consult their health care team, including a cardiovascular dietitian, to assess the risks and potential advantages of COQ10 supplementation because of its possible interaction with anticoagulants", explains -Is she Better life.

In relation: A new study prevents vitamin B3 supplements could increase the risk of heart disease .

Best: omega-3

Woman holding omega 3 capsule.
istock

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the few supplements that seem to have advantages for heart health supported by science. Over the past two decades, the American Heart Association (AHA) Recommended To reduce cardiovascular events, including heart attack and brain vascular accidents, in patients at high risk of MCV. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

It is best to obtain these nutrients from food - two weekly parts of fish rich in omega -3 should do the trick. However, Alyson Kelley-Hedgepeth , MD, cardiologist and co -director of the female program of the cardiovascular group Lown, written for Harvard Health Publishing These supplements can also be beneficial.

"In the past year, I have prescribed an omega-3 , sold under the Vascepa brand, to my patients who are at high risk of MCV, based on evidence of cardiovascular services. Vascepa contains purified EPA, and its use is based on good clinical data of the Test , "Kelley-Hedgepeth said." Vascepa has reduced blood triglycerides, but more importantly, this has reduced the number of heart attacks and lines, the need for cardiac stening procedure to open the obstructed arteries and death. ""

In relation: 8 ways in which women can reduce their risk of heart disease, the FDA says in a new update .

Worse: Red yeast rice

Female nutritionist advising patient on vitamin intake during consultation
istock

Red yeast rice is sometimes praised for its heart benefits. "Research shows that red yeast Containing considerable amounts of monacoline K can lower your total blood cholesterol level, low density cholesterol (LDL or "bad") and your level of triglycerides ", explains the Mayo clinic.

However, experts insist on caution, saying that if you are not aware of the amount of monacoline K in your supplement, you can cause an interaction with your other drugs.

"Some products have little or no active ingredient, and others have the same amount as a low prescription dose. This may be good if you do not take a stature, but if you are, you might get too medicine ; which can cause muscle pain or even potentially fatal muscle degradation that can damage other body systems , " Pieter Cohen , MD Associate Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School who studies food supplements, written for Harvard Health Publishing.

In relation: A new study reveals an additional cost that can lower blood pressure .

Worse: garlic supplements

Garlic Supplements
Bambambu / Shutterstock

Garlic supplements are sometimes favored as a means of reducing cholesterol and blood pressure. However, there is little research to suggest that these pills are beneficial.

In addition, garlic supplements may include certain cardiovascular risks. "Garlic supplements can increase the levels and effects of certain heart health drugs, such as anticoagulants (causing bleeding), hypocholesterolers (causing muscle damage) and blood pressure drugs (causing Dangerous drops in blood pressure), "writes Harvard Health Publishing.

"A low sodium diet is the only officially made recommendation to help reduce blood pressure, in addition to drugs," adds Verde.

Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.


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