The word "supplement" generally comes with a positive connotation as something that provides you with a health benefit. For many supplements, this is true, but if you have a pre-existing health condition such as heart disease, you need to exercise extra caution before using any supplement. Certain supplements can aggravate symptoms of heart disease, while others might cause an unwanted interaction with medications prescribed for heart problems. This is why it is important to check with your doctor or cardiologist before adding any supplement to your diet.
Ephedra
The supplement ephedra, also known as ma-huang, is banned in the United States for sale in any form except tea. Ephedra is marketed as an energy booster, but it is also used to treat bronchial problems and obesity. Ephedra acts as a stimulant and can cause cardiac symptoms such as rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. If you have heart disease, avoid using any supplement that contains a stimulant, including ephedra.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is often used to treat cognitive problems such as memory loss and circulatory problems, which can cause decreased blood flow to your brain and extremities. Unfortunately, ginkgo biloba also has natural blood-thinning properties that are the source of many health benefits, but can cause problems if you are taking a blood-thinning medication. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginkgo can also interfere with the effectiveness of medications prescribed for high blood pressure. If you have heart disease, are taking blood-thinning medications or have high blood pressure, avoid using a ginkgo biloba supplement.
Goldenseal
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the herb goldenseal is used to treat inflammation and infection. Goldenseal can also interfere with the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications often prescribed for people with heart disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, goldenseal might also cause increased blood pressure levels, which can be a dangerous condition for someone with heart disease, and can increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure or are taking medications to treat heart disease, such as blood-thinners, avoid using the herb goldenseal.
Hawthorn
Ironically, the herb hawthorn is prescribed in naturopathic medicine as a treatment for heart disease. If, however, you are already receiving traditional medical treatment for heart disease that includes medication, hawthorn can cause problems. Hawthorn, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, can impede or even increase the effect of certain medications, such as those prescribed to treat high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat. Hawthorn can also interfere with the actions of nonprescription medications such as cold medicine, especially if you have heart disease.
