Heart disease has remained the leading cause of death in the United States for over a century, yet a significant gap in public awareness persists. Over half of U.S. adults are unaware that heart disease is the primary cause of mortality in the country. This disconnect raises critical questions about the role of dietary supplements in heart health and highlights the importance of lifestyle choices over unregulated products.
Despite the widespread belief in the efficacy of supplements, research has not proven that any can conclusively lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, or cardiac deaths. The lack of regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) further complicates matters; unlike prescription medications, supplements are not subject to stringent checks for purity, quality, or strength. As a result, consumers may place their health in jeopardy by relying on these products without sufficient evidence of their effectiveness.
A recent survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic revealed a striking statistic: 97% of Americans believe that supplements can enhance heart health. Furthermore, 38% of respondents reported taking supplements specifically for this purpose. However, experts caution that this belief may be misguided.
Luke Laffin, MD, co-director of the Center for Blood Pressure Disorders at the Cleveland Clinic, advises individuals to focus on understanding their cardiovascular risk factors. He states, “Understand your numbers, certain biomarkers that increase your cardiovascular risk, blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol levels.” He emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before making any decisions about supplementation: “Based on those, talk to your doctor.”
While some supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, may offer benefits for individuals at higher risk for heart disease, experts assert that a low dose is generally more advantageous. Wenliang Song, MD, MTR, FNLA, director of lipid research at the Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute, notes, “A low dose is probably going to be helpful for people who have a higher risk for heart disease.” However, he also warns, “Take caution because different types of fish oil may have different side effect profiles.”
The uncertainty surrounding the impact of omega-3s is compounded by ongoing research. It remains unclear whether DHA or EPA—two types of omega-3s—affect blood clotting differently. Additionally, while some studies suggest that CoQ10 might benefit individuals with heart failure, other research offers less definitive conclusions.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force has indicated that there is insufficient evidence to determine how and if supplements influence cardiovascular disease. This lack of clarity raises concerns that many individuals may be misled by the marketing surrounding supplements and their purported health benefits.
In light of this information, experts underscore the importance of establishing heart-healthy habits. The American Heart Association recommends several practices including maintaining an active lifestyle, quitting tobacco use, getting adequate sleep, and managing weight, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Stephen Kopecky, MD, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and author of “Live Younger Longer,” emphasizes that “even prescription medicines that we know are life-saving don't replace a lifestyle, so always keep working on the lifestyle.” He adds, “Nothing you do to help your heart health is ever too little… and then nothing you do is ever too late in your life.”
The prevalence of heart disease necessitates a shift in focus from supplementation to lifestyle changes. Many individuals may rely on supplements as a panacea for heart-related issues without considering the foundational role of daily habits in maintaining cardiovascular health.
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