The heart sends blood and oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body. According to the American Heart Association, the heart pumps 2,000 gallons of blood every day and expands and contracts 100,000 times. Health conditions related to the heart include, arrhythmia, when the heart beats abnormally; congestive heart failure, when the heart can't pump enough blood to the other organs of the body; and high blood pressure. Always consult a doctor before taking nutritional supplements.
Fish Oils
Fish oils provide a good source of omega 3 essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA.
According to the American Heart Association, fish oils benefit the heart as they help decrease abnormal heartbeats, blood pressure and the growth of arterial plaques that can cause narrowing of the arteries. The American Heart Association recommends that heart disease patients take 1 g of fish oil that contains both EPA and DHA daily.
Always consult a health care professional before taking fish oil supplements.
CoQ10
CoQ10 is a compound naturally found in the center of cells known as the mitochondria, which is responsible for energy production. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, CoQ10 helps heart health by inhibiting blood clot formation and improving energy production in cells. CoQ10 levels may be reduced in people with certain chronic diseases such as heart disease, states Mayoclinic.com.
In a study published in a 1993 issue of "The Journal of Clinical Investigation," researchers studied the affect of CoQ10 on patients with congestive heart failure. Patients with congestive heart failure frequently require hospitalization and suffer with other serious complications such as irregular heartbeat and the accumulation of fluid on the lungs. The researchers found that 2 mg of CoQ10 daily for a year, in addition to conventional therapy, significantly reduced hospitalizations and the incidence of serious complications in patients with chronic congestive heart failure.
A doctor should always be consulted before taking a CoQ10 supplement.
Magnesium
According to the UMMC, all organs need magnesium, but particularly the heart. Magnesium helps maintain a normal heart rhythm and may help to reduce the symptoms of congestive heart failure and reduced high blood pressure.
Patients with heart disease should consult a doctor before taking magnesium supplements.
References
- American Heart Association: Heart, How It Works
- American Heart Association: Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- American Heart Association: Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
- The University of Maryland: Coenzyme Q10
- Mayo Clinic: Coenzyme Q10
- "The Journal of Clinical Investigation"; Effect of coenzyme Q10 therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: A long-term, multicenter, randomized study: Morisco C, Trimarco B, Condorelli M; 1993
