Do Heart Supplements Actually Work?

Heart health is a very sensitive topic for many people, according to the CDC heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the US, in 2022, 702,880 people died from heart disease. The mortality rates of heart diseases being so high causes many people to stress about their heart health and ensure their heart stays healthy. Lots of people today believe that taking vitamins and other supplements can make their hearts healthier.

A recent survey done by Cleveland Clinic showed that almost everyone thinks supplements can help their heart. Many people even said they'd rather take supplements than medicine that a doctor prescribes. 74% of them are aware that stress is bad for their heart health, while 40% do not understand the detrimental effects alcohol consumption and lack of sleep can cause. While eating healthy and being active are important for your heart, doctors say that supplements don't really protect your heart like people think. It's important to understand that supplements are not a replacement for good habits or prescribed medicine.

Are there any Benefits Of taking Heart Health Supplements?

When it comes to supplements and heart health, there's not a lot of strong proof that they work. Scientists haven't found that any supplement can definitely stop you from having a heart attack or stroke. However, some supplements might help with certain things that affect your heart.

For example, fish oil might help lower certain fats in your blood. Another supplement, called CoQ10, might help people with heart failure. And folic acid might help prevent strokes, especially in people who don't have enough of it naturally. But even with these supplements, the research is mixed, and they don't prevent heart disease in general.

Harmful Effects of Lack of Regulation

While many supplements are safe, some can cause problems. For instance, taking too much fish oil might increase your risk of heart problems. Also, some supplements can interact badly with medicines you get from your doctor. One of the biggest problems is that supplements aren't checked by the government as strictly as medicines. This means that the quality and strength of supplements can vary a lot. You might buy two bottles of the same supplement, but they could be very different. That's why it's always important to talk to your doctor before you start taking any new supplement.

The best way to keep your heart healthy is to focus on your lifestyle and take the medicines your doctor prescribes. Supplements should never replace medicine. To keep your heart strong, try to be active every day, don't smoke, and get enough sleep. Also, it's important to keep a healthy weight and manage things like your cholesterol and blood sugar.

Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins is also good for your heart. If you want to get more omega-3s, eat fish like salmon. And most importantly, pay attention to how you feel and talk to your doctor about any concerns. They can help you understand your risk and make a plan to keep your heart healthy.