Want to give your heart a little TLC?
Across the country, nearly half of all adults have some form of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for American men and women.
With numbers like that, it’s no wonder the supplement aisle is bursting at the seams with pills, potions and powders promising to help keep your ticker ticking.
But experts warn that not every bottle is worth opening your wallet — and some could actually give your heart a beating.
“For most people, there is no single ‘must-take’ supplement for the heart,” Dr. Tiffany DiPietro, quadruple board-certified cardiologist, told The Post. “The best-supported options tend to be condition-specific.”
If you want to give your heart a little extra love, though, DiPietro broke down the top three supplements worth considering — and four she says are best left on the shelf.
Heart helpers
Psyllium husk powder
Psyllium husk is a fiber supplement most people know for helping with constipation. It soaks up excess liquid in the gut and adds bulk to stool, making it easier to pass.
“Not sexy, but very effective,” DiPietro said.
But it’s not just for your bathroom routine. Studies show it can also lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, which can build up in arteries and raise the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
There’s also evidence that psyllium husk may support gut health and help control blood sugar spikes after meals.
“[It’s] often a great ‘supplement-like’ add-on for cardiometabolic risk, especially if diet fiber is low,” DiPietro said.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a vitamin-like antioxidant that helps your cells produce energy, protects them from damage and supports the growth of new ones.
Your body makes it naturally, and it’s found in foods, but many people take it as a supplement to boost energy and support heart health. DiPietro’s go-to brand is Qunol Ultra CoQ10.
“If you’re going to take one “heart-focused” supplement, this is often my top pick — especially for people on statins who notice muscle aches or fatigue,” she said.
“It’s not a substitute for controlling cholesterol or blood pressure, but it can be a helpful add-on for the right person.”
Magnesium
This essential mineral plays a major role in wide range of bodily functions, from maintaining a steady heartbeat and normal blood pressure to helping control inflammation. Yet many American adults don’t get enough magnesium in their diets, which can put them at risk for deficiency. For those people, DiPietro said a supplement can help.
“But routine supplementation without a reason isn’t always necessary,” she noted. “I like checking intake, medications, gastrointestinal tolerance and kidney function first.”
Heart breakers
“If someone has cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, uncontrolled blood pressure, heart failure or is on anticoagulants or antiarrhythmics I get particularly cautious with [these supplements],” DiPietro said.
Stimulants and weight-loss supplements
Often marketed to boost energy, speed up metabolism, suppress appetite or burn fat, DiPietro warned that these can raise blood pressure, trigger palpitations and affect heart rhythm.
Vitamin E or beta-carotene “for the heart”
While antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene play important roles in the body, there’s no conclusive evidence they benefit the heart. High-dose vitamin E, in particular, may increase the risk of heart failure, hemorrhagic stroke and even death.
“[They] aren’t recommended for cardiovascular disease prevention,” DiPietro said. “Various guidelines note their harms and lack of benefit.”
Licorice root
Whether in supplements or teas, DiPietro recommends steering clear of licorice root, which is often marketed as a way to improve digestive, respiratory or skin health.
“[It] can raise blood pressure and lower potassium — a bad combination for many heart patients,” she cautioned.
Some herbal supplements
For patients on blood thinners like warfarin, certain herbal supplements — including ginkgo, ginseng and high-dose garlic extract — can increase bleeding risk.
“They’re not always ‘forbidden,’” DiPietro noted, “but they require real medication review.”
In general, DiPietro recommends checking with your doctor before adding any supplement to your routine, even the ones that could help your heart.
“For anyone with heart disease or rhythm issues, I’d rather they ask their physician “is this safe with my meds?” before adding anything over the counter,” she emphasized.
