As you age, leading a healthy life becomes even more important, especially for your heart—did you know that heart disease is a leading cause of death for women in the United States? “Age is considered an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. As we age there is a higher risk for CAD, however with aging several other risk factors become more prevalent such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and sedentary lifestyle.” Says Dr. Jahandar Saleh, the medical director of cardiovascular services at Dignity Health Northridge Hospital. Although things like genetics and certain medications can certainly play a role, it is possible to reduce your likelihood of heart related health issues through prioritizing a balanced, fulfilling, nutrient-dense diet.
In a perfect world, we’d all be able to eat perfectly balanced diets that support optimal health from the inside out. But life gets busy, and sometimes that isn’t possible. To help bridge the gap between what you’re getting and what you need, supplements can be a tool to support your hectic lifestyle. With that being said, the health market is incredibly saturated, so it can be overwhelming knowing which supplements to choose, especially with how expensive some of them can be! Which supplements are the best ones to prioritize, especially if you want to keep your heart health in mind?
“Although research is ongoing, supplements have not been clearly proven to improve heart health, but one exception may be Omega 3 or fish oil capsules.” Dr. Saleh says. Omega-3s are a form of polyunsaturated fats that are necessary for building healthy brain cells and other internal functions. But they benefit your heart specifically in a number of ways—they can reduce the presence of unhealthy fats in your blood, and can even slow the buildup of plaque in your arteries which increases the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
Omega-3s are most commonly found in foods rich in healthy fats, like fish, avocados, nuts, and plant oils. “The heart needs vitamins to function properly but it should come from a healthy balanced diet.” Dr. Saleh says. Making sure you get enough of these foods in your diet is the best way to promote a healthy heart at the end of the day. However, getting your Omega-3s through supplements is better than nothing. As far as the data shows at this moment, this is the best vitamin to take if you want to boost your heart health.
Besides a balanced and nutritious diet, there are other aspects of your lifestyle that can promote a healthy heart. Exercising regularly and keeping stress at bay are two of the best—this includes getting enough sleep, prioritizing time to relax and unwind, and doing things that you enjoy regularly.
If you are concerned about your risk of developing heart related illness, consider adding Omega-3 supplements to your health regimen to support whatever your diet is missing. However, before you add any supplement or make any major change to your diet, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure it is the right choice for you and your unique health needs.
