The Best Recommendation - Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States. Much of what we do in our 20s and 30s can greatly affect our heart later on in life, meaning that attempts to protect against cardiovascular disease are far more effective when preventative measures are adopted as lifelong habits—the earlier the better.
These measures include:

• Eating well,
• Taking supplements,
• Getting plenty of exercise,
• Managing stress levels.

Supplements to Consider:
Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in “fatty” fish (like salmon) and some fish oil supplements are known to affect more than a dozen characteristics that contribute to a healthy heart.

• They reduce inflammation,
• Reduce the tendency to form clots,
• Decrease the likelihood of developing cardiac arrhythmia,
• And at high levels lower triglyceride levels.

American Heart Organization

Observational studies suggest that individuals consuming large amounts of fish and/or who have high blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids have a greatly reduced risk of sudden death from heart attack. Clinical trials indicate that even people who already have heart disease are less likely to suffer a second cardiac event if they are given fish oils containing EPA and DHA.

Most Americans eat very little fish and therefore have low intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, which are “good” fats. Supplements in the form of fish oils can help fill that gap. Other supplements to consider for heart health include vitamin E and the B vitamins. Observational studies suggest benefits for heart health from taking at least 200 IU of vitamin E per day—an amount impossible to obtain from diet alone.

And observational studies have shown that generous amounts of B vitamins, such as folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12, can lower homocysteine, which may help prevent heart attacks, although that has not been borne out by recent clinical trials.