Heart supplements like omega-3 oils, niacin, red yeast rice, B vitamins, and coenzyme Q10 can help protect against cardiovascular disease, but may not work for everyone. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower cholesterol, while niacin raises good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol. Red yeast rice can also lower bad cholesterol, but should be taken in moderation to avoid liver damage. B vitamins and folic acid may lower homocysteine levels, and CoQ10 can improve muscle function in the heart and body. Patients should consult with their doctors to determine the proper dosage.
Heart supplements are pills or liquids that are reported to protect patients from cardiovascular disease. Those who have high cholesterol and are at risk of heart attack can take these supplements in addition to making lifestyle changes. Heart supplements may not work for everyone, so it’s best to seek medical advice before taking them every day. Some of the most common include omega-3 oils, niacin, and red yeast rice, as well as B vitamins and coenzyme Q10.
Certain oils such as fish, algae, and flaxseed are reported to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. These heart supplements include omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation within the body and, in turn, reduce the risk of heart disease. Oil-based omega-3 supplements are also known to lower triglycerides. According to WebMD, studies show that patients who take fish oil supplements or eat oily fish like salmon or mackerel reduce their risk of heart attack, chest pain, and even sudden death from heart problems. Men’s Health experts as of 2011 recommend taking at least 1,000 mg (or 1 gram) of an omega-3 supplement every day, or eating at least two servings of fish per week.
Niacin also works as a heart-healthy and cholesterol-lowering supplement. Also called nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, niacin provides the benefit of raising levels of HDL, or “good” cholesterol, as well as lowering LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. To get the benefits of niacin, as of 2011, doctors recommend taking 500mg (0.5g) to 2,000mg (2g), but dosage levels can vary depending on the patient’s tolerance to the supplement. Common side effects associated with niacin include diarrhea and hot flashes, or a sudden feeling of warmth and sweating of the face.
Another type of heart supplement, red yeast rice, comes from rice that is fermented with red yeast called Monascus purpureus. Research indicates that red yeast rice lowers bad LDL cholesterol, removing any plaque in the arteries, helping blood flow throughout the body, and preventing heart attacks. Patients should take no more than 2,400 mg (2.4 g) of red yeast rice per day, according to WebMD as of 2011. Anything over 2,400 mg can cause liver damage.
Some cardiac supplements improve functions related to the cardiovascular system. Folic acid, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, help keep red blood cells and nerves healthy. Although research has not been confirmed, B vitamins and folic acid lower blood levels of homocysteine, which is an amino acid associated with stroke, heart attack, and blood clots when elevated. Patients should work with their doctors to determine the proper dosage because individual results may vary.
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, has also been recommended as a heart supplement that improves cardiovascular health. Patients can take CoQ10 with statins to lower bad cholesterol, and according to Men’s Health as of 2011, this heart supplement reportedly improves muscle function in the heart and throughout the body. Other potential benefits of CoQ10 include reducing chest pain and controlling high blood pressure. Patients can take 100mg (0.1g) to 200mg (0.2g) of this supplement to see improvement.
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