Side Effects Of Supplements For Heart Failure

Your heart doesn't stop working completely if you are in heart failure; it fails to pump enough blood to meet your oxygen needs. In the early stages, you may have no symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may experience shortness of breath, especially upon exertion, and fluid retention in your lower extremities. Heart failure is a serious medical condition requiring evaluation by your physician. Treatment includes prescription medications, but your doctor may also recommend some dietary supplements to improve your heart function. Discuss the use of all medications and dietary supplements for heart failure with your physician, as there are some side effects associated with their use.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is produced by your body naturally and is required by all of your cells for proper functioning. However, your CoQ10 levels can be depleted due to certain medications and disease, including heart disease. Your doctor may advise you to take CoQ10 supplements for heart failure. CoQ10 is regarded as a safe supplement when taken as directed. MayoClinic.com reports that the side effects tend to be mild and typically resolve as you continue taking the supplement. Side effects include gastrointestinal problems such as loss of appetite, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Other side effects are dizziness, irritability, headache, flu-like symptoms, light sensitivity and allergy.

Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid obtained through your diet and made naturally by your pancreas, kidneys and liver. Creatine is stored in your muscles and used for energy. If you have heart failure, your triglyceride levels may also be elevated. Your doctor may recommend taking a creatine supplement to help lower your triglycerides and increase your stamina. However, there are some side effects, including weight gain, dizziness, diarrhea and upset stomach. Take creatine only as directed by your physician, because some side effects are serious, including muscle cramps, high blood pressure, kidney and liver damage.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for heart problems, including heart failure. Hawthorn supplements are used to improve heart function and increase endurance during strenuous physical activity. Take hawthorn only under the direct supervision of your doctor. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, side effects are rare, but they include allergy, nausea, headache and a racing heartbeat. Inform your physician of all the medications and supplements you are taking, because hawthorn enhances the effects of some heart and blood pressure medications, and it decreases the effects of phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant.

Motherwort

Motherwort is an herb primarily used to treat heart problems; its Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, means "lion heart." Motherwort increases your heartbeat without increasing your pulse rate to improve circulation to your heart. The effects of motherwort haven't been well studied, so use the herb only as directed by your physician. Known side effects include stomach upset, allergy and diarrhea. Don't use motherwort if you are pregnant, as it has a stimulating effect on uterine muscles and can cause bleeding. Discuss using motherwort with your doctor if you have a history of breast cancer.