According to the American Heart Association, the heart is a strong, muscular pump that pumps blood throughout the circulatory system. Over an average lifetime, the heart will beat more then 2.5 million times. The heart may be prone to diseases, which can affect how it functions. However, there is a selection of vitamins available that will help to keep the heart healthy and strong.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin, is important to keep bones firm. Around 10 minutes of exposure to the sun can help prevent a vitamin deficiency. According to a study performed by I. Gouni-Berthold I, H.K. Berthold and W. Krone from the Department of Internal Medicine II at the University of Cologne, vitamin D is effective in treating cardiovascular disease by reducing cell proliferation, differentiation and inflammation.
Niacin
According to MedlinePlus, niacin is part of the B complex group of vitamins and is not stored in the body, as it is water-soluble. Niacin helps to promote healthy blood circulation, which improves the heart's function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Niacin has been used since the 1950s to help to lower cholesterol levels in blood and is effective in raising HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels. It also helps to reduce inflammation in the arteries and veins, which may be a result of a disease.
Coenzyme Q10
According to the Mayo Clinic, coenzyme Q10 may be able to decrease blood pressure, reduce angina, or chest pain from clogged heart arteries, help treat acute myocardial infarction, treat children who suffer from mitral valve prolapse and is often given to patients as protection during a major heart surgery, such as valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft .
