Learn About The Best Supplements for Heart Health | Cooper
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Best Supplements for Heart Health

Feminine, manicured hands cupped in a heart shape and holding what looks like a bunch of omega-3 softgels

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults in the United States, surpassing death from all forms of cancer, respiratory disease, stroke and accidents. Your healthy habits play an integral role in reducing your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Sound Nutrition and Regular Exercise are the Cornerstones of Heart Health 

Engaging in a healthy diet has an impact on multiple cardiovascular risk factors. For reducing cholesterol, Cooper Clinic Registered Dietitian Nutritionists offer these top dietary recommendations for lowering cholesterol: eliminating or limiting foods that contain saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol. A heart-healthy diet that prioritizes fiber, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, legumes and beans—and limits your intake of saturated fats from red meats, full-fat dairy, coconut and palm oils—is ideal.

For lowering blood pressure, the DASH eating plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a good example of a heart-healthy dietary plan that provides flexibility by setting nutritional goals for healthy food groups such as fruits and vegetables. Dietary changes can also prevent the development of hypertension or improve blood pressure in those already diagnosed with hypertension.

Engaging in regular exercise is an important means of modifying the risk of having a cardiovascular disease event (such as heart attack or stroke) for those with and without a prior history of heart disease. The many benefits of regular exercise were reviewed and summarized by the American College of Cardiology: improvements in cholesterol profiles, reduction in blood pressure, enhanced blood sugar metabolism, reduction of low-grade inflammation, and other cellular adaptations that prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

For those at high risk of developing heart attack or stroke, prescription drug therapy such as statin medication may also be needed to mitigate that risk. For those who may not need prescription drug treatment or want to add non-prescription therapies to their risk reduction plan, the use of supplements is a topic of great interest.

One of Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper’s 8 Steps to Get Cooperized™ is “Take the Right Supplements for You.”  Cooper Clinic Cardiologists John S. Ho, MD and Nina B. Radford, MD, discuss supplements that may enhance heart health and reduce cardiovascular risk factors.

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Advanced Omega-3 Supplement

Advanced Omega 3 Supplement contains 720 mg EPA, 480 mg DHA, and 200 mg other omega-3 fatty acids in each serving of two lemon-flavored softgels. Omega 3 supplementation supports heart health, cognition, immune, and inflammatory health without any fishy aftertaste.†

$22.98 Add to cart

Omega-3 Foods and Supplements for Heart Health

American Heart Association recommends adults consume at least two servings of fatty fish each week, including salmon, cod, mackerel, sardines and canned light tuna. Fatty fish provides long-chain omega-3s (EPA and DHA), which research shows can improve heart health.

Omega-3 and Blood Pressure

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of U.S. adults—nearly 120 million—have hypertension, but only about 25 percent of those adults have their hypertension under control. Hypertension is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Engaging in healthy habits, including daily consumption of omega-3, may improve hypertension control or even prevent the development of hypertension altogether.

A review of clinical research suggests a link between omega-3 intake and a modest reduction in blood pressure. When combined with the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors such as increased exercise, a healthy diet and reduced alcohol consumption, more significant blood pressure improvements may be achieved.

Omega-3 and Heart Attack Risk

The VITAL study followed 25,871 adults aged 50+ to determine the impact of supplementation with 50 mcg (2,000 IU) of vitamin D and 1 gram (1000 milligrams) of fish oil per day on cardiovascular and cancer outcomes. Participants in the omega-3 group with lower fish consumption demonstrated a significant reduction (almost 20 percent) in having any one of three major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular causes). This is meaningful given weekly fish consumption is generally low in most people.

In the entire group taking omega-3, there were fewer fatal and non-fatal heart attacks and less need for stents or bypass. There was no reduction in stroke risk or overall risk of death. (Dr. Radford provides an in-depth analysis of the VITAL study results here.)

Omega-3 Lowers Triglyceride Levels

Someone with elevated triglyceride levels may also benefit from omega-3 supplements. Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in the blood and elevated levels are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. “The data on omega-3 as it relates to decreasing triglycerides is very strong,” says Dr. Ho. “I take Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 because I have high triglycerides myself. I also have calcification, which omega-3 can help with.”

If you’re not getting enough fatty fish through your diet, consider adding Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 to your daily regimen. With 1400 mg of EPA and DHA in each two-softgel serving, “Cooper Complete Advanced Omega-3 has among the highest levels of EPA and DHA,” explains Dr. Ho. “That’s why I recommend it to my patients.” For those who may have swallowing difficulties, there’s also Advanced Omega-3 Liquid that contains 2150 mg EPA and DHA in each level teaspoon (5 mL).

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100 mg CoQ10 Ubiquinol Supplement

KanekaQH®, the reduced form of coenzyme CoQ-10, provides advanced antioxidant support and promotes cellular energy and optimal heart and immune function.†

$37.98 Add to cart

Replenish CoQ10 Deficiency Created by Statins

Along with diet modifications and increased exercise, doctors often prescribe statin medications to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. High-potency statin drugs can reduce LDL cholesterol by more than 50 percent.

Statins inhibit the production of mevalonate, a precursor of both cholesterol and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is a compound believed to be crucial for the regulation of metabolic activity and produce energy for cellular processes. Studies demonstrate a reduction in circulating CoQ10 levels with statin therapy. This reduction in CoQ10 levels may be mechanistically linked to a side effect of statins: myalgia (muscle aches and pains). While clinical trial results have shown mixed results in terms of the impact of CoQ10 supplementation on muscle soreness with statin use, it may be worth a try if muscle side effects could result in discontinuation of statin use in individuals in whom it is strongly indicated.

“If my patient complains about statin side effects, I always recommend CoQ10,” says Dr. Ho. “I start with 100 mg of CoQ10. If the statin begins to work, I go up to 150 mg, possibly even 200 mg.” About 30-40 percent of his patients see relief once they begin taking CoQ10. Regardless of the side effects, Dr. Ho strongly reinforces to his patients who have been prescribed statins they must stay on the medication unless directed by their cardiologist.

Cooper Complete CoQ10 is in the ubiquinol form, which is the active antioxidant form that some research suggests is better absorbed by the body. Cooper Complete CoQ10 is available in 100 mg and 50 mg supplement capsules. (Cooper Complete Original Comprehensive Multivitamin also contains 100 mg coenzyme Q10.)

Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease

The clinical observation that patients with rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease illustrates the role of chronic inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.  Decades of both clinical and basic science research have demonstrated that both clinical (symptomatic) and subclinical (asymptomatic) inflammation play a critical role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.

Numerous triggers of inflammation have been associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Some of these triggers are familiar cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Other triggers may be less well known, such as acute and chronic stress, poor dental health, chronic lung infections, acute viral infections, and toxins in the gut.

Low grade inflammation can be present without producing symptoms of an illness (like rheumatoid arthritis) but can be detected by measuring inflammatory biomarkers in the blood. The blood test most commonly used in clinical settings to detect the presence of low-grade inflammation is high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Some studies have shown that high levels of hsCRP may be just as significant, if not more so, as high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the development of atherosclerosis.

There has been a great deal of clinical and basic science interest in the impact of diet on chronic inflammation. Foods with high inflammatory potential include red and processed meats, refined carbohydrates and added sugar. In contrast, intake of green leafy and dark yellow vegetables, fruits, teas, whole grains and fatty fish is associated with anti-inflammatory actions.

The link between diet and inflammation has been studied in even more detail by identifying the impact of specific dietary components on subclinical inflammation. In a large study of almost 18,00 men and women who had measures of hsCRP correlated with detailed dietary histories, researchers found higher hsCRP levels were associated with increased intake of sugar and decreased intake of fiber, polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants like vitamin C and E and the family of B vitamins.

Multivitamin Research on C-Reactive Protein

One of the first research studies conducted on Cooper Complete supplements looked at the impact of a multivitamin on C-reactive protein. The clinical trial (Reduction of C-Reactive Protein Levels Through Use of a Multivitamin reported in December 2003 American Journal of Medicine) found Cooper Complete Original Iron Free lowered C-reactive protein levels by 32 percent. Vitamins B6 and C were specifically observed to be inversely associated with C-reactive protein levels.

Cooper Complete adult multivitamins contain 10 mg of vitamin B6, with Cooper Complete Original containing 500 mg of vitamin C and Basic One containing 150 mg.

Berberine: Supplement for LDL Reduction

According to Cooper Clinic Cardiologist Nina Radford, MD, there is a bounty of epidemiologic data that describes a correlation between elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, there is a large body of clinical trial evidence demonstrating a strong association between a reduction in LDL cholesterol and lowered risk of cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals without a history of heart disease (primary prevention) and in all individuals with a history of prior cardiovascular disease events (secondary prevention).

The mainstay non-drug treatment of high LDL cholesterol is dietary modification with practical approaches for decreasing LDL cholesterol, including:

  • Eliminate trans fats, which are commonly found in packaged, commercially baked goods.
  • Substitute monounsaturated fats, such as canola oil, olive oil and avocado oil for saturated fats such as fatty meats, cream, butter, cheese, palm oil and coconut oil.
  • Eat more soluble fiber, which can be found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley, pectin and wheat dextrin.

While there is no clinical trial evidence that shows supplements that lower LDL also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, many patients who do not want to use prescription drugs to manage LDL cholesterol turn to supplements for this purpose (red yeast rice, fiber, plant stanols and sterols). A relative newcomer to this group of supplements is berberine, an alkaloid found in the root, fruit or bark of a number of plants including goldenseal, Oregon grape, barberry and tree turmeric.

In a meta-analysis of six trials, 229 patients with high cholesterol who took between 900-1500 mg of berberine per day saw 20-50 mg/dL reductions in LDL cholesterol levels (about a 25 percent reduction from baseline).

Cooper Complete offers Berberine Complex for balancing the metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and support of glucose metabolism. This custom formulation contains alpha lipoic acid to sustain proper insulin function and vitamin C for additional antioxidant support.

Berberine may lower blood sugar or blood pressure, so if you take medication for diabetes or hypertension, be sure to carefully monitor your blood sugar and blood pressure while taking this supplement. Berberine is unsafe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. While berberine has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, it is not a substitute for statins. There is little evidence and long-term safety data supporting improved clinical outcomes from berberine supplementation.

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Microbiome Fiber Supplement

Cooper Complete® Daily Prebiotic Microbiome Fiber supplement contains 6 grams of tasteless and gritless soluble fiber and is low FODMAP to support gastrointestinal health and regularity.†  

$30.48 Add to cart

Fiber Supplements for Heart Health – Help Reduce Cholesterol

Fiber helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood by binding itself to cholesterol, preventing it from entering the rest of the body, including the arteries. Guar gum—the type of soluble fiber found in Cooper Complete Microbiome Fiber—has shown in clinical trials that it may reduce serum total cholesterol by about 20 mg/dL.

In addition to helping reduce cholesterol, increased fiber intake helps lower the risk of heart disease. Studies, such as the Nurses’ Health Study, found women with the highest fiber intake (average 22.9 grams per day) had a 50 percent lower relative risk of a major coronary event than women with the lowest fiber intake (11.5 grams per day). Sunfiber® guar gum—the type of soluble fiber found in Cooper Complete Microbiome Fiber—also contains a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut and releasing substances that lower inflammation.

A small study found guar gum decreased blood pressure in moderately overweight men with mild hypertension, decreasing both systolic and diastolic readings by nine percent after two weeks of receiving 7 grams of guar gum three times daily. For additional recommendations on how to lower your cholesterol naturally read this article from Cooper Clinic Platinum Physician Michael Chapman, MD.

Add Magnesium for a Strong Heart Health Supplement Combination

Magnesium is an essential nutrient for maintaining critical physiological functions, including cellular energy production, cardiac metabolism and function, and vascular tone. Magnesium deficiency is often associated with adverse health outcomes including cardiovascular disease.

In a large study of 24,000 US adults with information on dietary intake and health outcomes, there was an increased risk of diabetes and hyperlipidemia with lower dietary magnesium intake and a decreased risk of hypertension with higher dietary magnesium intake.

The use of some common medications, including diuretics (commonly used to manage hypertension) and proton pump inhibitors (used to manage heartburn and reflux), is associated with magnesium deficiency. Furthermore, much of the population may not be meeting the RDA for magnesium. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee indicated that magnesium was a shortfall nutrient that was under-consumed relative to the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for many Americans. Approximately 50 percent of Americans consume less than the EAR for magnesium and some age groups consume substantially less.

If you use these kinds of medications or are concerned that your diet is deficient in magnesium, talk with your doctor to see if you might benefit from magnesium supplementation.

It’s always important to consult your physician before adding any new supplement to your regimen. Your physician understands your health profile best, so talk with them about which supplements for heart health are best for you.

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