Obviously, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and reducing stress are key to managing or preventing heart disease. People with certain medical conditions will also need medication to control symptoms. Others wonder if nutritional supplements can help prevent or manage heart disease.

Vitamins - Antioxidants and B complex vitamins have proven helpful in converting homocysteine to cysteine. Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Homocysteine is thought to promote atherosclerosis by damaging blood vessel walls. Folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 are important in homocysteine conversion. Good multiple vitamin combinations or homocysteine converter formulas can help lower homocysteine levels.

Vitamin E has positive effects on cholesterol levels and inhibits platelet aggregation. Vitamin C protects the collagen in blood vessel walls, improves cholesterol profile, and inhibits platelet aggregation.

Coenzyme Q10 - This natural compound enhances energy production in heart muscle cells. CoQ10 may help reduce CHF, mitral valve prolapse, angina, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension. Daily supplementation of 60 mg to 180 mg is usual. People on Coumadin® (warfarin) should consult with their physician before taking CoQ10 as it can affect clotting time.

Hawthorn - This extract is widely used in Europe to treat early stage congestive heart failure. It may also be useful for angina and hypertension. It is thought to work by improving blood flow through the coronary arteries, improving heart muscle strength, and acting as a mild diuretic. This herb is best used under the supervision of your physician as it may interact with Lanoxin® (digoxin) or other heart medications. This herb is probably better used to treat heart conditions under the supervision of your doctor than to prevent heart conditions.

L-Carnitine - This amino acid is thought to improve the metabolism of heart muscle cells. It is used to improve angina, congestive heart failure, and intermittent claudication (severe leg cramps due to inadequate circulation). Again, this supplement is usually used to treat rather than prevent heart conditions under the supervision of your physician.

Omega 3 oil - Fish oils and flax seed oils rich in omega 3 oil are associated with reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and insulin resistance. Supplements and food rich in omega 3 oil may benefit people with heart disease, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Remember that these oils may interact with anticoagulant drugs which may require adjusted of other medications.

Taos Pharmacy stocks all of these supplements. We also have the expertise to help you use them wisely. We offer weekly 10% discounts on all vitamins on Tuesdays, herbs on Wednesdays, and Leader(r) generics on Thursdays. These low cost supplements could improve your heart health.

References: Dr. Andrew Weil's Self-Healing, February, 2002, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 2nd Edition, Michael Murry, ND and Joseph Pizzorno, ND editors, Prima Publishing, 1998.

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