Supplements for Heart Health

Research shows that some supplements - in addition to lifestyle changes and medical treatment if you need it - may help lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, and reduce other risk factors for heart disease

Fiber and Sterols for Your Heart

Fiber

Found naturally in fruits, grains, vegetables, and legumes, fiber cuts down the amount of cholesterol your body soaks up from food. It’s best to get your fiber from foods, but fiber supplements are another option. Strive to get at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily. There's good evidence that blond psyllium husk -- common in fiber supplements -- can lower “bad” LDL cholesterol. It can also raise “good” HDL cholesterol.

Sterols and Stanols

These natural compounds are in foods like nuts and grains. They reduce the amount of cholesterol that your body absorbs from food. Sterols and stanols are sold as supplements. They're also added to many foods, such as some margarines, orange juice, and yogurts. Experts recommend  2 grams a day to help lower LDL cholesterol.  

Other Supplements That May Offer Benefits

CoQ10

Your body naturally makes small amounts of CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone and ubiquinol. It's key for normal cell function. As a supplement, CoQ10 may help lower blood pressure, either on its own or along with drugs. Other studies have found that adding CoQ10 to heart failure drugs may improve symptoms and quality of life.

CoQ10 supplements are also popular as a treatment for statin side effects. Why? Statins can sometimes lower natural CoQ10 levels. Some doctors suggest adding a CoQ10 supplement to counteract the effect, hoping it will relieve statin side effects like muscle pain and weakness. However, study results have been mixed.

Fish Oil

Fish oil with omega-3 fatty acids can slash levels of triglycerides -- an unhealthy fat that can cause clots in the arteries - by up to 50%. Fish oil may also improve blood pressure. But it’s not clear if non-prescription fish oil supplements lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Some research suggests they may. However, a 2012 study found that fish oil supplements didn't seem to help prevent heart-related deaths. Eating fish with omega-3 fatty acids is a better bet. The American Heart Association recommends that all adults eat at least two 3.5-ounce servings of fish a week.

Garlic

Not only does garlic make just about anything taste delicious, it could also lower blood pressure. It may slow the build-up of plaque in the arteries, lowering your risk of clots. Research shows that both whole garlic and supplements may help.

Green Tea

Research shows that green tea - either as an extract or as a drink - may lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. Green tea may also lower your risk of developing high blood pressure, although not all studies show this benefit.

Other Supplements:

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for keeping blood pressure normal. There is a direct relationship between low magnesium levels and high blood pressure. So crucial to the heart is magnesium that it can reduce or prevent arrhythmias (irregular heartbreat) and cardiomyopathy (a weakened heart muscle). Lutein, another important ingredient usually included in the formulas is found in HDL (the good cholesterol), and scientists have found it prevents the bad cholesterol from oxidizing. Vitamin E lowers cholesterol and provides superior antioxidant protection. Niacin (B3), along with B12, B6 and folic acid (B9), are vital for keeping homocysteine in check, a major indicator of heart attack. Omega 3 fatty acids and Evening Primrose Oil or Borage Oil (both healthy omega6 fats) keep arterial inflammation at bay.

Source: www.webmd.com