OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH
Living a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

Supplements for Cardiac Health
by Jannet Huang, MD, FRCPC, FACE

Disclaimer:  The information contained in this article is for general educational purposes only. Supplements (herbal and vitamins) should be complementary to a healthy lifestyle as well as appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. Those who are interested in beginning a nutritional supplement should first consult their personal physician.

While nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress reduction are always going to be the foundation for a healthy heart, there are several supplements that have been documented to improve cardiac health. Omega 3 fatty acids from fish have been shown to be cardio-protective, possibly through beneficial effects on lipids and anti-inflammatory effects. Policosanol, phytosterols and niacin supplements represent natural alternatives for lowering cholesterol.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Numerous studies have now shown the multitude of benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids from fish. Yet we are often limited in our fish intake due to concern over environmental contaminants such as mercury and PCBs. The many different fish oil products available out there are often confusing for consumers. It is important for us to be able to recommend a reliable supplement of omega 3 fatty acids of high purity and potency. Not only is GNLD Salmon Oil Plus pure and highly potent, it is also the first fish oil product that contains standardized amounts of all 8 members of the omega 3 fatty acids family – the complete spectrum! Fish oil supplements have been found to decrease the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and progression of atherosclerosis. According to one analysis, consuming dietary fish oil or taking fish oil supplements is associated with a 23% reduction in overall mortality and a 32% reduction in death from cardiovascular causes! Fish oil protects against cardiovascular disease by its anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic effects as well as by reducing blood clotting, lowering blood pressure and improving triglycerides and cholesterol particle size.

Policosanol

Taking policosanol orally 10-20 mg/day has been shown to decrease total cholesterol by 9% to 29%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 11% to 42%, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 7% to 34%. Policosanol 10 mg/day seems to be comparable to fluvastatin (Lescol) 20 mg/day and simvastatin (Zocor) 10 mg/day in cholesterol-lowering ability in some studies. The majority of these clinical studies used policosanol derived from sugar cane. Policosanol from other sources have not been shown to have the same cholesterol-lowering effects. Policosanol seems to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting hepatic cholesterol synthesis and increasing the degradation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Policosanol 20 mg per day reduces platelet aggregation about as much as aspirin 100 mg per day, but it does not seem to significantly affect bleeding time.

Phytosterol Esters

Beta-sitosterol actually inhibits intestinal absorption of cholesterol by competing for the limited space in mixed micelles, which decreases cholesterol absorption by about 50%. Phytosterol esters are found in spreads such as Take Control and Benecol, and in supplements such as ResQ LDLx2. Phytosterols may also reduce risk of prostate disease.

Coenzyme Q10

Taking coenzyme Q-10 orally seems to provide blood pressure lowering effect and might allow dosage reduction or discontinuation of some antihypertensive medications. Coenzyme Q-10 may also decrease the risk of cardiac events in patients with recent myocardial infarction (heart attack). “Statin” medications used for cholesterol lowering may reduce Coenzyme Q10 levels. There is some preliminary evidence that Coenzyme Q-10 might lessen muscular adverse effects caused by high-dose statins but more studies are needed. Typical doses used in studies for cardiovascular disease reduction is 100-200mg per day.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational purposes only. Supplements (herbal and vitamins) should be complementary to a healthy lifestyle as well as appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. Those who are interested in beginning a nutritional supplement should first consult their personal physician.

—February 2007

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