Heart-health benefits are the most common reason adults take fish oil supplements. Fish oil decreases high triglyceride levels, cholesterol, coronary heart disease and the risk of a heart attack. Fish oil is the most common over-the-counter supplement taken by Americans, beating out multivitamins, according to ConsumerLab.com's February 2010 survey. When taking fish oil, some people may also be prescribed heart medications and certain precautions are required. Always discuss taking the over-the-counter supplement with a health professional to avoid any medical complications.
Blood Thinning Medications
Some patients who have coronary heart disease take blood-thinning medications known as anticoagulants. Fish oil is a natural blood-thinning medication and has a similar effect. Taking both may place you at risk of excessive bleeding. The interaction is only minor, but patients should still be aware of the risks. Examples of anticoagulant medications include warfarin, heparin, aspirin, ticlopidine and enoxaparin. Excessive nosebleeds, skin bruising, blood in the urine or bleeding gums are examples of complications that can occur. In rare instances, patients may suffer from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke. Signs of a stroke include confusion, blurred vision and difficulty speaking or understanding directions.
Blood Pressure Medications
Fish oil slightly decreases blood pressure in patients. If you are already taking blood pressure medications, your blood pressure may drop to dangerously low levels. Blood pressure medications include captopril, enalapril, diltiazem and valsartan. Check your blood pressure on a regular basis if you are taking fish oil supplements in combination with hypertensive drugs. Symptoms of extremely low blood pressure include dizziness, confusion, fatigue, nausea and weakness.
Additional Warnings
Patients with specific heart conditions should not take fish oil supplements. If you suffer from regular, severe heart pain known as angina, taking fish oil may exacerbate the symptoms. Patients who have heart defibrillators installed should also avoid the supplement because it may increase irregular heart rhythms.
Heart Medication Tips
Ensure you understand exactly what heart medications and fish oil supplements you are taking, including the dosage and times. Take your heart medications at the same time every day. Do not stop taking the medications even if you feel better. Always discuss with your doctor any supplements you are considering taking in combination with heart medications. Besides fish oil, additional over-the-counter medications and supplements may change the effect of the medications. Be cautious when taking antacids, cough and cold medications as well as salt substitutes.
References
- NorthWest Heart Center: Keeping Track of Your Loved One's Heart Medications
- Harvard Health Publications: Fish and fish oil: Good for Most Folks, but Not All
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- ConsumerLab.com; Report on Vitamin & Supplement Users Published, Including Brands and Merchants Top-rated for Consumer Satisfaction; Feb. 1, 2011
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