Heart Supplements Can Carry Risks

If you’ve had a stroke or heart attack, or are at risk of having one, your doctor likely has prescribed you medication to help manage the condition. Before prescribing, your doctor will consider your unique needs, health history, personal circumstances, and any other medications you might be taking.

As tempting as it may be to alter that treatment regimen as you see fit, it could pose real danger to your health. If you’re considering adding medications, vitamins, or supplements to your routine, it’s always best to run it past your doctor first.

Here’s what you need to know before you consider taking a supplement.

Benefits Rarely Outweigh the Risks

Johns Hopkins Medicine clinical trials found that heart supplements do not reduce a patient’s risk of heart disease. In fact, they could do more harm than good.

“Your body chemistry is very much based on your diet and anything else you’re ingesting,” says Abigail Witthuhn, an Advanced Practice Clinician with ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care. “Supplements really can wreak havoc on your system. I can’t tell you how many times the use of a heart supplement has created blood clotting issues for patients, putting them at increased risk of bleeding. They can cause serious complications if people aren’t careful.”

Even widely used over-the-counter medications — such as a daily aspirin or cough syrup — could pose problems. Witthuhn also gives the example of a water pill, something many people would consider harmless.

“If I prescribe a certain kind of water pill to a patient, and they decide to change which water pill they’re taking or how they’re taking it, there may be just enough differences between them to cause significant issues,” she said. “Even worse, the issues may not be noticeable to the patient until they become severe, or even life-threatening.”

Supplements Don’t Require FDA Approval

While research does support potential benefits of supplements like omega-3 or fish oil capsules for reducing the risk of a heart attack, even that can be a gray area.  

Unlike medications, supplements don’t have a federally recognized quality and purity measure. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t perform the same kinds of detailed studies on vitamins and supplements that are required for medications. The only saving grace are non-government-funded approvals through groups like the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or ConsumerLab.  

“If I have patients who are taking supplements for anything, I recommend they look for that seal because it at least gives me confidence the supplement contains what it says it does,” Witthuhn said. “That’s one of the biggest dangers I see with supplements — the dosage can vary from capsule to capsule.”

Your Provider is Here to Help

With any kind of supplement, vitamin, or medication, one size doesn’t fit all.

“People may assume that just because a friend or relative is benefiting from a supplement, they will have the same experience,” Witthuhn said. “But there are so many variables that can impact a person’s reaction, from their medical history to other medications they may be taking.” 

Your doctor, and even your pharmacist, are great resources for determining if a supplement will provide any benefit to your health.

On a related note, if you stop taking a recommended medication or supplement, let your doctor know.

“Patients need to have open, honest communication with their provider to ensure they can receive the safest, most efficient treatment for their specific situation,” Witthuhn said. “We aren’t here to judge your decisions; we just want to take the best possible care of you that we can, and that starts with everyone being on the same page.”

Above All, Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

It’s never too late to start practicing a healthier lifestyle, including finding a primary care physician, having regular checkups, and having recommended preventive screenings. Talk to your doctor about your diet, lifestyle, and the importance of routinely checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate, blood sugar, and body mass index.

Choosing foods that are low in saturated fat, trans-fat, and sodium can make a big difference in how you feel and reduce your risk for heart-related illness and stroke. A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, fish (preferably oily fish) at least twice per week, nuts, legumes, and seeds. Limit your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and foods, and if you’re going to eat red meat, choose the leanest cuts possible.

“Cutting down on alcohol and fast food, eating home-cooked meals, giving up tobacco use, and exercising regularly can all make a big difference in your heart health,” Witthuhn said. “It’s important to remember, the more essential nutrients you incorporate directly into your diet, the less likely you are to need supplements in the first place.”