A cardiologist’s top-3 supplements for heart health
MDlinx Mar 19, 2025
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“Omega-3s… [are] powerful anti-inflammator[ies] that can help control your lipid level and your overall cholesterol panel. In addition, it can assist in maintaining a healthy blood pressure.” — Jeremy London, MD @drjeremylondon
When it comes to cardiovascular health, diet and lifestyle choices play a crucial role—but could supplements help, too? Research shows that certain nutrients, which can often be found in supplement form, may support heart function in various ways.
But how strong is the evidence behind them? Here’s what the research—and experts—have to say.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) helps improve the strength of the heart and overall efficiency of cardio functioning, according to Jeremy London, MD, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, in a TikTok video. “This is a powerful antioxidant, but more importantly it is a cofactor for the production of ATP, which is the energy currency of our cells,” he shared.
CoQ10, is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, which is also sold as a dietary supplement. It is present at highest levels in the pancreas, kidneys, liver, and heart.
Semeco A, Ajmera R. 9 Benefits and Side Effects of Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10). Healthline. September 6, 2024.
Studies on how CoQ10 impacts heart health have been mostly inconclusive.
Coenzyme Q10. NCCIH. January 2019.
There is some evidence, however, that patients who are treated with CoQ10 are less likely to need inotropic drugs following surgery and to develop ventricular arrhythmias following surgery.Zozina VI, Covantev S, Goroshko OA, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: Current State of the Problem. Current Cardiology Reviews. 2018;14(3):164–174.
Omega-3s
Omega-3s, or omega-3 fatty acids, are naturally found in foods like salmon and tuna and are also present in dietary supplements.
Omega-3 Supplements: What You Need To Know. NCCIH. 2020.
They are anti-inflammatory and can help control lipid levels and overall cholesterol panels, according to Dr. London, while assisting in maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Extensive research into the health benefits of omega-3s suggests that omega-3 supplements may benefit people with high triglycerides or heart disease.
One review found that increasing omega-3 fatty acids led to a slight reduction in the risk of coronary death and coronary events.
Abdelhamid AA, Brown TJ, Brinard JS, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020;3(3):CD003177.
And another study found that omega-3 supplementation lowered the risk of myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, and death from coronary heart disease.Hu Y, Hu FB, Manson JE. Marine Omega-3 Supplementation and Cardiovscular Disease: An Updated Meta-Analysis of 13 Randomized Controlled Trials Involving 127 477 Participants. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2019;8(19):e013543.
Magnesium
“[Magnesium] is the most common electrolyte deficiency that we see,” said Dr. London. “Magnesium helps control heart rate and heart rhythm, and because magnesium relaxes smooth muscle cells, it can help maintain a healthy blood pressure as well.”
Magnesium is naturally found in foods like legumes and leafy greens, as well as some fortified foods like breakfast cereals. It is also available as a supplement.
NIH. Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. June 2, 2022.
Research indicates that magnesium supplements have only a modest impact on lowering blood pressure. However, higher levels of magnesium may reduce the risk of stroke.
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