Supplements for Heart Health: What Seniors Should Know Before Starting

Seniors in Sparks, NV, often take supplements for heart health. However, some of these supplements will likely suit your dietary needs more than others.

First things first: how do heart health supplements work? Their main purpose is to manage things that put you at risk of heart disease, such as high cholesterol. A supplement can be anything you eat or drink, potentially coming in the form of:

• Pills
• Liquids
• Capsules
• Powders

Not sure which supplements will have the biggest effect on your heart? Before we get into it, let's talk about the kind of help your heart may need.

What Are the First Signs of a Weak Heart?

The first step in helping your heart is recognizing whether it's struggling to pump efficiently or not. Some indicators of a weak heart include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Puffiness in feet, legs, and ankles
• Coughing and wheezing

If you experience these symptoms along with sudden shortness of breath or chest pressure, you could be having a heart attack. Other times, these symptoms will be subtle but still point to a particular issue with your heart.

What Are the Best Supplements for Heart Health?

If your heart health isn't optimal, your doctor may recommend supplements. Here are some common heart health supplements and when to use them.

1. Fiber

Ideally, you should get at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day. The best way to get fiber is from food, particularly fruits and vegetables. That said, fiber supplements are another valid option for supporting natural heart health.

Most fiber supplements include psyllium husk, which lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and raises the "good" type (HDL). If you choose to take this supplement, keep yourself hydrated and increase your dosage gradually.

2. Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a big role in aging and nutrition. This vitamin-like substance is found in every cell of our bodies. Your body produces CoQ10, and your cells use it to create energy that your body needs for new cell growth.

Some cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, can also lower the amount of CoQ10 your body makes. If so, your doctor may recommend a CoQ10 supplement to make up for it. You can also get this substance from organ meats.

3. Magnesium

Low magnesium levels are a common indicator of heart disease. It may contribute to cardiovascular risk factors, like high blood pressure. If your test results show low magnesium, your doctor may recommend a supplement, such as:

• Magnesium citrate
• Magnesium hydroxide
• Magnesium gluconate
• Magnesium sulfate

Many magnesium supplements require careful dosage. For example, magnesium sulfate (also known as Epsom salt) can cause issues in excess. These supplements can be particularly dangerous for seniors with kidney disease.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Every list of senior wellness tips makes note of omega-3 acids, and for good reason. For starters, they lower your body's production of triglycerides, which helps prevent stroke and heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids will also:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce inflammation
• Decrease plaque buildup

Omega-3 acids aren't produced by the body and must be consumed through your diet. The best source of omega-3 acids is fish oil. This is why the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating at least two servings of fish a week.

5. Garlic

You already know that garlic makes our food taste better, but it also has plenty of health benefits. Whether it's consumed as a food or supplement, garlic helps lower your blood pressure and slows the plaque buildup in your arteries.

At the same time, garlic may increase your risk of bleeding and affect blood clotting. If you're in line for surgery or another medical procedure, it's usually advised to stop taking garlic two or more weeks ahead of time.

6. Multivitamins

Taken in appropriate doses, heart vitamins for seniors can do wonders for lowering your heart disease risk. Whole foods should be your main source of nutrients, but studies show that many seniors don't consume enough of them.

A multivitamin supplement won't make up for unhealthy eating habits. That said, this is a safe and affordable way to fill in the gaps in your diet. Keep in mind that many assisted living communities already include special diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Use Heart Supplements Safely?

Heart supplement safety is a crucial element in supplement use. Many supplements could trigger an allergic reaction or cause side effects. Others may have a negative interaction with your medications or other supplements.

Instead of taking dietary supplements on your own, consult with a doctor. They'll tell you which products are most likely to help. If you live in an assisted living community, you can also help your heart by:

• Enjoying social and leisure activities
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting quality sleep

Which Supplements Should Seniors Avoid?

One supplement seniors should be careful with is choline. Though choline helps reduce inflammation, excessive intake can be dangerous for seniors with existing heart conditions. It's often better to get your choline from foods like:

• Eggs
• Legumes
• Organ meat
• Cruciferous vegetables

What Supplement Gets Rid of Arterial Plaque?

When it comes to plaque removal, no supplement is a magic bullet. Still, certain enzymes and vitamins can support artery health by preventing calcium buildup and breaking down existing plaque. Key supplements to use for this purpose are:

• Vitamin D: Improves overall cardiovascular health
• Vitamin K2: Directs calcium away from arteries
• Vitamin E: Prevents LDL cholesterol from oxidizing
• Nattokinase: Helps dissolve fibrin and support clean arteries

Heart Health In Assisted Living Communities

As you can see, there are plenty of supplements for heart health that can be of use to you. The key to choosing the right ones is consulting with your healthcare provider and not using supplements as a replacement for your food.

At Kiley Ranch Senior Living, we can help you minimize the amount of supplements you need. Our Elevate® dining program offers a variety of exciting seasonal dishes while accommodating almost any dietary restriction or requirement!

Thinking of joining our assisted living community in Sparks, NV? Contact us here to schedule a tour of the premises or learn more about our exclusive lifestyle programs!