How To Choose A Heart Health Supplement
When choosing heart health supplements, Sirchio-Lotus recommends looking for products that dont contain unwanted ingredients such as artificial colors or fillers.
Before going the supplement route, talk to your healthcare team about getting tested to see if youre deficient in certain nutrients.
Also, look for supplements that have theUSP Verified mark. USP is an independent, non-profit organization that sets federally recognized public standards of quality for dietary supplements. Their approval indicates the product has met high-quality standards.
What Therapies Does Dr Weil Recommend For Congestive Heart Failure
Dr. Weil emphasizes the preventive importance of dietary changes to control obesity and diabetes, both of which are linked to the development of congestive heart failure. He advises consulting a nutritionist to develop a diet designed for individual situations and also recommends the following measures:
- If you smoke, quit. Tobacco has direct and damaging effects on the cardiovascular system.
- Avoid salt. Sodium promotes fluid retention. Avoid high-sodium foods, heavily processed foods and unnecessary salt.
- Take your prescribed medication. Diuretics , beta blockers, digoxin and others can reduce stress on the heart and make it work more efficiently.
- Check other meds. Over-the-counter NSAIDS, such as aspirin, Motrin and Aleve may increase fluid retention. Tell your doctor about any remedies you are taking.
- Control risk factors. Work with your doctor to address high blood pressure, diabetes and atherosclerosis or other heart problems.
- Reduce stress. The hormones released by the body in response to stress, anxiety and depression make the heart work harder. Practice relaxation techniques, volunteer, and seek positive social interactions. The relaxing breath exercise can improve the oxygenation of blood and take workload off the heart.
Nutrition and Supplements If you are coping with, or are at risk of congestive heart failure, Dr. Weil suggests trying the following supplements:
Do You Need Supplements For Your Heart
If you are committed to improving your heart health, and/or preventing long-term health issues, you may be wondering if you need supplements for your heart. In truth, one of the best things you can do for your heart health in 2022 isnt a prescription medication or a supplement you pick up at a health store. Its making sure you eat a heart-healthy diet thats high in vitamins and minerals, and low in saturated fat and salt. Inflammation plays a key role in the development of a cardiovascular disease, yet many of the foods commonly found in the typical American diet promote low-level inflammation throughout the body.
However, because your body is not perfectly efficient, even with the healthiest diet, not all the nutrient molecules will be absorbed: some are destroyed in the stomach and intestines, some are excreted back, and some simply just dont go inside the cells.
This is why heart health supplements, particularly high quality medical-grade supplements can be a helpful part of your wellness protocol.
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Vitamin D Supplements May Improve Cardiac Function In Heart Failure Patients
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Taking vitamin D supplements may improve cardiac function in chronic heart failure patients, according to a study presented on April 4 at ACC.16 in Chicago and published simultaneously in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
In this randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind trial, Klaus K. Witte, MD, FACC, and colleagues studied 223 patients with chronic heart failure due to secondary left ventricular systolic dysfunction and vitamin D deficiency vitamin D3< 50nmol/L ). 20ng/mL)). Participants were either allocated to one year of vitamin D3 supplementation 25D3 daily) or matching non-calcium-based placebo. A total of 163 patients completed the study. The primary endpoint was change in six-minute walk distance from baseline to 12 months, and the secondary endpoint included the change in left ventricular ejection fraction at one year.
While vitamin D supplementation had no effect on the six minute walk test distance, it effectively restored normal levels of 25-OH vitamin D3 and was associated with improvements in cardiac function, resulting in an increase of left ventricular ejection fraction by 6.07 percent, from an average baseline of approximately 26 percent. After 12 months, patients who took vitamin D had greater improvement in echocardiographic measures of LV function, LV dimensions and volumes than patients who took a placebo.
The Dash Diet And Mediterranean Diet
The DASH eating plan, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, has been shown to lower systolic blood pressure by 814 mmHg187,188 and is often recommended for people with heart failure.189,190 The Mediterranean diet, which is similar to the DASH diet in emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is also a healthy dietary pattern for those with heart failure.189
Specifically restricting dietary sodium intake remains controversial in the context of heart failure.191-194 However, both the DASH and Mediterranean dietary patterns generally do not contain large amounts of sodium relative to the typical Western diet. Until large, randomized, controlled trials can address the question of whether specifically restricting dietary sodium is optimal for heart failure patients, adheringto a diet rich in unprocessed plant-based foods is a good option.195
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What Are The Causes Of Congestive Heart Failure
CHF can stem from any condition that leads to a change in the hearts pumping power including damage to the heart muscle as a result of a heart attack, or thickening and hardening of the heart muscle as a result of longstanding high blood pressure, diabetes, or improperly functioning heart valves. When it is constantly overworked, the heart becomes larger and thicker than normal as would any muscle that is consistently exercised beyond its normal workload. These changes compromise the hearts efficiency over time. Conditions that can contribute to congestive heart failure include diabetes, an overactive or underactive thyroid, emphysema, a viral or bacterial infection in the heart muscle, morbid obesity, high blood pressure and/or damaged heart valves.
Heart Failure: Causes And Risk Factors
Heart failure may be due to a variety of factors and causes, such as damage to the heart muscle of unknown origin , developmental abnormalities , thyroid disease , and cardiac valve disease, among others. The most common cause of heart failure is ischemic heart disease due to coronary artery atherosclerosis. Recognition and mitigation of the variouscontributing factors may reduce heart failure risk and improve prognosis.27,28
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How Is Chf Diagnosed
After reporting your symptoms to your doctor, they may refer you to a heart specialist, or cardiologist.
The cardiologist will perform a physical exam, which will involve listening to your heart with a stethoscope to detect abnormal heart rhythms.
To confirm an initial diagnosis, a cardiologist might order certain diagnostic tests to examine your hearts valves, blood vessels, and chambers.
There are a variety of tests used to diagnose heart conditions. Because these tests measure different things, your doctor may recommend a few to get a full picture of your current condition.
What Are The Symptoms Of Congestive Heart Failure
As a result of congestive heart failure, fluid may collect in the lower legs, causing swelling, or in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. Other CHF symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and weakness, particularly during physical exertion as a result of insufficient oxygen reaching the muscles.
- Swelling in the lower extremities. If the right side of the heart is affected, fluid builds up in the feet, ankles and legs. Left-sided heart insufficiency can cause fluid retention in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath.
- Wheezing, or in severe cases the coughing up of pinkish phlegm.
- Need to urinate at night
- Waking up after a few hours of sleep due to shortness of breath
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Antioxidant Supplements Are Not Equivalent To Antioxidant
Antioxidant supplements are thought to play a role in heart health because these nutrients work to reduce so-called oxidative stress, a known contributor to many types of cardiovascular disease. Programs like the Mediterranean diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, which feature foods that are naturally rich in antioxidants, are both compatible with the most recent American Heart Association dietary recommendations.
But the nutrients in supplements arent exactly the same as those in foods, and the results from previous studies looking at the benefits of antioxidant supplements have been inconsistent one reason why supplements havent been widely adopted in preventive cardiology, according to the authors.
Previously, research on micronutrient supplementation has mainly focused on the health effects of a single vitamin or mineral or a few at a time, said Dr. Liu. We decided to take a comprehensive and systematic approach to evaluate all the publicly available and accessible studies reporting all micronutrients, including phytochemicals and antioxidant supplements and their effects on cardiovascular risk factors as well as multiple cardiovascular diseases.
Nutrition For Cardiac Patients
- Diet in the cardiac patient can slow disease progression, minimize medication requirements, and in some cases, cure the underlying disease.
- Individualize the diet of your patient based on type and extent of heart disease, other health concerns, and what the patient will eat.
- Change diet gradually to avoid GI upset.
- When starting medications, avoid changes to the diet for the first two weeks and until the pet is eating well.
- Consultations with a veterinary nutritionist are available with the help of your primary care veterinarian at:
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Interested In Taking Supplements Check With Your Doctor First
Its a good idea to check in with your doctor before taking supplements, says Elizabeth Bradley, MD, medical director of Cleveland Clinics Center for Functional Medicine in Ohio, who was not involved in this research.
If your doctor recommends an omega-3 fish oil supplement, be aware that different brands can vary in quality, says Dr. Bradley. Your provider may have suggestions about what to look for in labeling. Or you can research different brands at independent websites such as ConsumerLab.com, which reviews and rates supplements.
American College Of Cardiology Foundation/american Heart Association Staging
At Risk for Heart Failure
- Stage A. These patients are at a high risk for heart failure, but do not have structural disease or symptoms of heart failure. This includes those with coronary artery disease or diabetes.
- Stage B. This stage includes those who have structural heart disease, such as left ventricular hypertrophy/dysfunction or chamber enlargement, but who do not have signs or symptoms of heart failure.
Heart Failure
- Stage C. These patients have structural heart disease with prior or current symptoms of clinical heart failure.
- Stage D. These patients have treatment-resistant heart failure requiring specialized intervention, such as transplantation, biventricular pacemakers, or left ventricle assist devices.28
Note that in the ACCF/AHA classification system, a patient cannot move backwards to a prior stage. That is, once a patient is classified as Stage C, they cannot be in Stage B again. In the NYHA system, which is based solely on symptoms, patients can move between classes.65
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What Are The Side Effects Of Potassium And Magnesium Supplements
Possible side effects of potassium and magnesium supplements include:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. If these side effects continue, call your doctor. If you take controlled-release tablets or capsules and have severe vomiting, vomit blood, or have abdominal pain or swelling, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away.
Black, tarry, or bloody stools. These are signs of stomach bleeding. If you have them, call your doctor right away.
You should also call your doctor if you have:
Is There A Cure For Congestive Heart Failure
BUT HERES THE GOOD NEWS FOR YOU: UBIQUINOL COQ10 is one of the best health supplements you can take every day. And, it possibly effects a cure for congestive heart failure.
In a noteworthy medical study, researchers dosed seven congestive heart failure patients with about 580 mg of ubiquinol CoQ10, an especially bio-available, or digestable form of CoQ10.
The results were extremely gratifying. Six out of seven patients lived.
The patient who did not survive had stopped taking the CoQ10, one of the best congestive heart failure supplements, three months into the study.
I think that you and probably anyone would want to end up in the healthy group, dont you agree?
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How Is Heart Failure Diagnosed
The initial approach to a patient with suspected heart failure relies heavily on a thorough medical history and careful clinical exam. However, signs and symptoms of heart failure are non-specificthey might be caused by a number of other conditionsso further testing is often necessary to make a conclusive diagnosis. A complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis, as well as a chest X-ray, are generally part of this workup. Blood testing for natriuretic peptides , an electrocardiogram, and an echocardiogram are also standard parts of an initial assessment.22,47,66
Coenzyme Q10 For Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart cant pump blood as well as it should.
People with the condition may have symptoms such as:
- difficulty breathing
During the 2-year trial, participants were given 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 three times a day.
After 2 years on the supplement, the results were reported to be impressive.
There were 43 percent fewer major adverse cardiac events in the treated group versus placebo group.
In addition, there was a significant improvement in the severity of symptoms.
Improvements in ejection fraction were seen in those with a baseline of 30 percent, although not in those below that figure.
Both Baliga and Dr. Satjit Bhusri, assistant professor of cardiology at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, list coenzyme Q10 as being among the supplements they recommend for their patients.
Both Bhusri and Baliga note there have been mixed results in the studies dealing with this supplement.
However, Bhusri points out that no data points at a negative impact.
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Are There Foods That Reverse Heart Disease
Allium in garlic reduces blood cholesterol and decreases blood pressure,
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory herb that thins the blood.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which lowers cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
Hormone and antibiotic free, pastured meats.
Those will give you a higher ratio of Omega 3/Omega 6 fatty acids.
Anti-inflammatory black, green, and oolong teas block dietary cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream, and regulate levels of blood sugar.
Coffee, free of petroleum-based whiteners and artificial sweeteners, may lower blood pressure. Naturally, if you get the jitters, cut back on coffee, or just skip it.
What Is A Medical Grade Supplement
Medical grade supplements, unlike their OTC counterparts, are manufactured to the same standards as pharmaceutical drugs. They are the highest quality supplements available and meet all pharmaceutical standards.
Supplements that are made in a way to ensure an extremely high standard of purity and maximum absorption are certified pharmaceutical grade. No product is ever 100% pure, however pharmaceutical grade products must exceed 99% purity and not contain any fillers, binders, dyes, or other inactive ingredients that serve as a vehicle for active substances. Less than 3% of supplements meet pharmaceutical grade standards.
In addition to purity, another important distinction between OTC supplements and medical grade supplements is bioavailability. Bioavailability involves how an ingredient is absorbed into the body. A substance will only be effective if it can be absorbed by the body, so bioavailability is the key to creating a supplement that delivers proven benefits. Increased bioavailability is a major benefit of medical grade supplements.
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Supplements That Dont Work
About half the U.S. adult population is reported to use various vitamins and minerals in the hopes theyll either prevent or help heart disease.
However, when researchers examined the medical literature related to multivitamins and multiminerals, antioxidants, folic acid, vitamin E, niacin , and beta carotene, no real benefits in either preventing or treating heart disease were found.
Although theres a large body of observational data indicating that low serum levels of vitamin D seem to be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, recent studies havent confirmed that this supplement is of any benefit, either.
Bhusri says he does recommend it for his patients, however.
He points to recent studies indicating that people with a deficiency show improvements when using prescription vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency is easily checked with a blood test, says Bhusri.
Popular Heart Health Vitamins
You may have read claims that these vitamins or supplements can benefit your heart health. Heres what we know.
Fish oil
To date, only large doses of prescription fish oil may have some cardiac benefit.
However, for patients with atrial fibrillation, fish oil may actually increase the risk for more atrial fibrillation. Also, it can cause increased bleeding.
Dr. Cho recommends that people dont take fish oil unless your doctor suggests it for other medical reasons.
Magnesium
Many of us get enough magnesium each day by eating foods like spinach, nuts and avocados.
But if you have a magnesium deficiency, you may develop symptoms like numbness and tingling, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms and seizures.
If you experience fatigue or have muscle spasms, weakness or stiffness, its important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will run a blood test or check calcium and potassium levels to help pinpoint the problem.
But taking a magnesium supplement if your levels are normal hasnt been shown to help with heart health.
Folic acid
One of the B vitamins, folic acid may help lower homocysteine levels, which can harden arteries.
While the amino acid has been linked to heart disease, studies have been mixed on whether folic acid may prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Most of us dont need to take a folic acid supplement. Instead, make sure you get enough folate by eating foods like spinach, asparagus and whole grains.
CoQ10
Fiber
Red yeast rice
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