Want to give your heart a little TLC?<\/p>\n
Across the country, nearly half of all adults have some form of cardiovascular disease<\/a>, the leading cause of death for American men and women.<\/p>\n With numbers like that, it\u2019s no wonder the supplement aisle is bursting at the seams with pills, potions and powders promising to help keep your ticker ticking.<\/p>\n Thousands of supplements on the market claim to support heart health \u2014 but experts say not all of them deliver. doucefleur \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n But experts warn that not every bottle is worth opening your wallet \u2014 and some could actually give your heart a beating.<\/p>\n \u201cFor most people, there is no single \u2018must-take\u2019 supplement for the heart,\u201d Dr. Tiffany DiPietro<\/a>, quadruple board-certified cardiologist, told The Post. \u201cThe best-supported options tend to be condition-specific.\u201d<\/p>\n If you want to give your heart a little extra love, though, DiPietro broke down the top three supplements worth considering \u2014 and four she says are best left on the shelf.<\/p>\n Heart helpers<\/p>\n Psyllium husk powder<\/strong><\/p>\n Psyllium husk is a fiber supplement most people know for helping with constipation<\/a>. It soaks up excess liquid in the gut and adds bulk to stool, making it easier to pass.<\/p>\n \u201cNot sexy, but very effective,\u201d DiPietro said.<\/p>\n Psyllium husk powder may support heart health by lowering cholesterol and supporting healthy blood pressure levels. Pixel-Shot \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n But it\u2019s not just for your bathroom routine. Studies show it can also lower LDL, or \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol<\/a>, which can build up in arteries and raise the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, heart attack and stroke.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also evidence that psyllium husk may support gut health<\/a> and help control blood sugar spikes<\/a> after meals.<\/p>\n \u201c[It\u2019s] often a great \u2018supplement-like\u2019 add-on for cardiometabolic risk, especially if diet fiber is low,\u201d DiPietro said.<\/p>\n CoQ10<\/strong><\/p>\n Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a vitamin-like antioxidant that helps your cells produce energy, protects them from damage and supports the growth of new ones. <\/p>\n Your body makes it naturally, and it\u2019s found in foods, but many people take it as a supplement to boost energy and support heart health. DiPietro\u2019s go-to brand is Qunol Ultra CoQ10<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re going to take one \u201cheart-focused\u201d supplement, this is often my top pick \u2014 especially for people on statins who notice muscle aches or fatigue,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not a substitute for controlling cholesterol or blood pressure, but it can be a helpful add-on for the right person.\u201d <\/p>\n CoQ10 is often recommended to improve symptoms in heart failure patients and support recovery post-heart attack. Nadzeya \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n Magnesium<\/strong><\/p>\n This essential mineral plays a major role in wide range of bodily functions, from maintaining a steady heartbeat and normal blood pressure to helping control inflammation. Yet many American adults don\u2019t get enough magnesium in their diets<\/a>, which can put them at risk for deficiency. For those people, DiPietro said a supplement can help.<\/p>\n \u201cBut routine supplementation without a reason isn\u2019t always necessary,\u201d she noted. \u201cI like checking intake, medications, gastrointestinal tolerance and kidney function first.\u201d<\/p>\n Heart breakers<\/p>\n \u201cIf someone has cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, uncontrolled blood pressure, heart failure or is on anticoagulants or antiarrhythmics I get particularly cautious with [these supplements],\u201d DiPietro said. <\/p>\n Stimulants and weight-loss supplements<\/strong><\/p>\n Often marketed to boost energy, speed up metabolism, suppress appetite or burn fat, DiPietro warned that these can raise blood pressure, trigger palpitations and affect heart rhythm.<\/p>\n Vitamin E or beta-carotene \u201cfor the heart\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n While antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene play important roles in the body, there\u2019s no conclusive evidence they benefit the heart. High-dose vitamin E,<\/a> in particular, may increase the risk of heart failure, hemorrhagic stroke and even death.<\/p>\n \u201c[They] aren\u2019t recommended for cardiovascular disease prevention,\u201d DiPietro said. \u201cVarious guidelines note their harms and lack of benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n Some supplements can be risky for people with heart issues or those on certain medications. Dragana Gordic \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n