If you're looking to lower your risk of heart disease and boost your overall health, there are some supplements you should consider. But remember, it's important to choose the right ones for your needs. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid may help break down homocysteine, which is linked to hardening of the arteries. And coenzyme Q10, a nutrient made in the body, may ease atrial fibrillation and help reduce palpitations associated with this condition. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are mainly found in fish, and supplements can be beneficial for reducing triglycerides. High triglycerides, along with high LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol, can lead to fatty buildups in your arteries that can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. EPA and DHA, the two main omega-3 fatty acids, are naturally occurring in oily fish like salmon and mackerel. They can also be found in other sources, including plant oils. Many people take omega-3 fatty acid supplements because they believe they can help reduce their triglycerides and raise their HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Research has been mixed, however. A recent meta-analysis suggests that taking one gram or more of fish oil daily may increase your risk of atrial fibrillation. While a randomized trial would be needed to prove that omega-3s are linked to AFib, this study is important in raising awareness about the potential risks of these supplements. Researchers from Geneva University Hospital and Brigham and Womenҳ Hospital performed the study. It compared the effects of a high-dose supplement of both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and a placebo made from corn oil on 13,078 adults with high cardiovascular risk, hypertriglyceridemia or low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The researchers found that participants who took the supplement for 4.4 years had a lower risk of fatal CHD, nonfatal MI, any CHD or any major vascular event compared to those who did not take the supplement. Additionally, the results of this analysis were consistent across different trials and in all relevant subgroups. Vitamin C Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can help keep your heart healthy and prevent certain cancers. It's also been shown to reduce blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Vitamin C can be found in a number of foods, including red peppers, broccoli, kiwi fruit, green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes and papaya. If you're not getting enough in your diet, taking a multivitamin can help you get the necessary amounts of this important nutrient. But before you add a supplement to your regimen, make sure it's a safe and effective one. The FDA doesn't regulate the safety or effectiveness of supplements, so it's important to be careful when deciding whether a particular product is right for you. Some vitamins and minerals can cause or worsen palpitations, so be aware of any symptoms you may have and talk with your doctor about what to do. If you have heart disease, it's a good idea to stop taking any over-the-counter medications or supplements that you think might be causing your palpitations. As a reminder, the best way to keep your heart healthy is by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. However, if you're not getting the nutrients your body needs, supplements can be a good option to help you improve your heart health. Vitamin C is also a great supplement for people who have a history of heart surgery, since it can help keep arrhythmia from reoccurring. In a study, postoperative atrial fibrillation only occurred in 4.5 percent of people who took a high-dose of the antioxidant vitamin after their heart surgery. Vitamin E Taking vitamin E supplements may help reduce heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and high triglycerides. However, they may not be effective for people with certain health conditions. Moreover, some studies have shown that vitamin E may increase the risk of heart failure and all-cause mortality. If you have a health condition that affects your ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, or if you have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, itҳ best to avoid vitamin E supplements. You should also avoid them if you have kidney stones or are on dialysis. You should also avoid taking it if you have diabetes or if you have had a stroke. In addition, you should stop taking it a month before surgery or any other medical procedure that involves removing part of the intestines. The best way to keep your heart healthy is to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and manage stress. You should also take dietary supplements to ensure you get the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and strong. One of thebest supplements for heart health is Vitamin E, which is found in many foods. It is a good source of antioxidants and helps your bodyҳ cells fight free radicals that can cause serious damage to your cardiovascular system. Vitamin E is also important during pregnancy and for proper brain development in infants and children. It helps your childҳ brain and body absorb important fatty acids. The best supplements for heart palpitations are a multivitamin and zinc, but be careful about taking too much of either if you have an underlying health condition that can affect your ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. In addition, talk to your doctor about your palpitations and any dietary changes that may help. Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxal, pyridoxine (pyridoxol), and pyridoxamine, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that helps to support heart health by regulating the production of homocysteine, a blood amino acid that can be elevated in people with heart disease. It also supports the function of the nerves and can lower blood pressure, as well as help prevent blood clot formation. Research has shown that people who have low levels of vitamin B6 have a higher risk of developing heart disease, and a diet rich in foods high in the vitamin can lower that risk. If you are not getting enough of this nutrient from your diet, your doctor may recommend taking supplements to ensure that you get the proper amount. While some people find that dietary supplements are a good way to boost their intake, many experts still agree that the best sources of nutrients are whole foods. This is especially true for vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are naturally found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and nuts. For this reason, Sirchio-Lotus recommends taking supplements only if you are not getting sufficient amounts of these nutrients from your regular diet. Ideally, you should focus on a whole foods diet that is high in protein, grains and vegetables, which are all sources of this vitamin. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends that all adults take a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement, which often contains 2 mg of vitamin B6. It also suggests that you eat a healthy diet, which is rich in vegetables and meats. Magnesium Magnesium is a mineral thatҳ important for your heart health, and it helps you to maintain a healthy blood pressure. That means it can help you to avoid problems like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes that can increase your risk of heart disease. Your body needs magnesium to keep all your organs in good working order, including your heart. Itҳ a vital part of your nerve and muscle function, as well as helping to regulate calcium levels and blood pressure. When your bodyҳ electrical impulses travel through your heart, they meet with a cluster of cells called the atrioventricular (AV) node. These cells act as gatekeepers to slow the impulse down for a split second before it goes on to your top chambers, allowing your heart to pump blood around the body. But when these gates are not timed correctly, your heartҳ electrical impulses can go off course and cause a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia. This can happen if the calcium ions from the AV node overstimulate your heartҳ muscle cells, causing a sudden and irregular heartbeat. This problem is why itҳ so important to get enough magnesium in your diet, especially if youҲe at risk for magnesium deficiency. The recommended daily intake of magnesium for adults is 400 mg if youҲe under 30 and 420 mg if youҲe older than 31. Magnesium is also a vasodilator, which means it opens up your blood vessels and allows more blood to reach the heart. This means it can help you to avoid heart palpitations and other fluttery feelings that can be caused by a range of factors, including caffeine, stress or serious health conditions such as arrhythmias.