Heart Health

Nutrients and supplements that support cardiovascular function, healthy blood pressure, and heart wellness.

14 items

Articles about Heart Health

foundations

Magnesium Forms: Which One Is Right for You?

Glycinate, threonate, citrate, oxide — not all magnesium is created equal. A comprehensive breakdown of forms, absorption, and what each one does best.

8 min read
Strong Evidence

Supplements for Heart Health

Other

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10, a naturally occurring antioxidant involved in cellular energy production, commonly used for heart health and mitochondrial support.

Moderate Evidence
Fatty Acid

Fish Oil (Omega-3)

A rich source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, commonly used to support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.

Strong Evidence
Mineral

Magnesium

An essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, commonly supplemented for muscle relaxation, sleep, and stress support.

Moderate Evidence
Mineral

Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. This combination offers superior bioavailability compared to common forms like magnesium oxide (which has only 4% absorption) while being notably gentle on the digestive system. Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body, required for ATP production, protein synthesis, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure management, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. It is essential for bone structure and plays a direct role in the active transport of calcium and potassium across cell membranes. Despite its critical importance, roughly 50% of Americans fail to meet the recommended daily intake. Subclinical deficiency — levels low enough to impair function but not low enough to trigger obvious symptoms — may affect up to 60% of the population. The glycine component provides additional benefits: glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that supports sleep quality and has calming effects on the central nervous system, making magnesium glycinate particularly well-suited for evening use.

Strong Evidence
Fatty Acid

Omega-3 Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids — specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) — are polyunsaturated fats that the human body cannot synthesize de novo. They must be obtained from dietary sources, primarily fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies), shellfish, and marine algae. EPA and DHA serve as structural components of cell membranes throughout the body, with particularly high concentrations in the brain (DHA comprises roughly 40% of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain) and retina. Beyond structural roles, they are precursors to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) — resolvins, protectins, and maresins — that actively resolve inflammation rather than simply suppressing it. The evidence base for omega-3 supplementation is extensive. Large-scale trials and meta-analyses support benefits for cardiovascular health (triglyceride reduction, modest blood pressure lowering), inflammatory conditions, mood disorders, and cognitive maintenance. The American Heart Association recommends at least two servings of fatty fish per week, and higher-dose EPA supplementation has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events in the REDUCE-IT trial.

Strong Evidence

Comparisons

Cardiovascular

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and premature mortality. Western guidelines (ACC/AHA 2017) lowered the diagnostic threshold to 130/80 mm Hg, reflecting data that cardiovascular risk rises continuously with higher pressures. Diagnosis relies on accurate measurement, confirmation with home or ambulatory monitoring when appropriate, and risk stratification. First-line therapy pairs lifestyle measures—particularly the DASH eating pattern with sodium restriction and regular physical activity—with medications when indicated. Large trials (ALLHAT, SPRINT) shape current practice: thiazide-type diuretics remain foundational and, in high-risk patients, targeting lower systolic pressures can further reduce events, albeit with more adverse effects, underscoring the need for individualized care and close follow-up. Resistant hypertension warrants a systematic approach to adherence, secondary causes, and addition of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Eastern and traditional systems contribute complementary perspectives. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypertension is framed through pattern differentiation (e.g., liver yang rising, kidney yin deficiency), guiding use of formula-based herbal therapy (such as Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, which contains Uncaria rhynchophylla/gou teng) alongside lifestyle, stress regulation, and practices like tai chi. Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes constitutional balance and employs botanicals such as Terminalia arjuna (arjuna) and historically Rauwolfia serpentina (source of reserpine, an early antihypertensive), together with diet, yoga, and meditation. Mind–body interventions (yoga, meditation, tai chi) have moderate evidence for small but meaningful blood pressure reductions and also improve adherence and stress resilience. Specific nutraceuticals—including garlic preparations and possibly coenzyme Q10—show small average reductions in systolic and di‑s

Well-Studied

Topic Relationships

Condition / Condition

Alzheimer's Disease & Cardiovascular Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are tightly linked along a brain–heart axis. They share many modifiable risk factors—hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking...

Condition / Condition

Diabetes & Hypertension

Diabetes and hypertension commonly occur together and amplify each other’s risks for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, retinopathy, and heart failure. Roughly two-thirds of adults with type 2 d...

Condition / Condition

Heart Disease & Diabetes

Heart disease and diabetes are tightly linked cardiometabolic conditions that frequently co-occur and amplify each other’s risks. Cardiovascular disease (CVD)—including coronary artery disease, str...

Condition / Condition

Sleep Apnea & Hypertension

Sleep apnea—most commonly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—and hypertension have a bidirectional, clinically important relationship. OSA is highly prevalent among people with elevated blood pressure a...

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