If you know someone who’s experienced a heart attack, you want to do all you can to prevent suffering one yourself. As part of your preventive strategy, you might be thinking about taking any of a number of heart health supplements, in addition to medications that manage your blood pressure, cholesterol or other cardiovascular risk factors.
But what are the best supplements for heart health? And, do they really work?
To answer these and other questions, we’ve asked Cleveland Clinic pharmacotherapist Michael Militello, PharmD, for his insight.
What Do We Know About Heart Health Supplements?
There are so many supplements marketed for heart health and targeting specific risk factors that it would be impossible to address all of them. I have not researched the combination products or some of the single-ingredient products, but I will tell you what I can.
There is a lot of anecdotal information on supplements for heart health, but none have proven beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular disease or its risk factors. Consequently, none are endorsed by any organization—at least that I am aware of. This does not mean they are not effective: It simply means there is no proof of efficacy. A product may contain exotic ingredients that sound appealing and carry a label that all but guarantees your heart will benefit, but without scientific backup, the claims are simply speculative.
Keep in mind that the lack of well-conducted clinical trials also may indicate there is no proof the product is harmless or does not interact with prescription medications.
What Does the Science Say About Heart Health Supplements?
Research has been conducted on individual supplements for heart health. Here are some of the findings:
Vitamin E
High doses of vitamin E were found to increase the risk of prostate cancer and internal bleeding.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D had not been shown to benefit the heart; however, a study presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) 2025 Scientific Sessions found that when adults with low blood levels of vitamin D and a history of heart attack were given supplements to raise their vitamin D levels into a normal range, their risk of another heart attack dropped by 52%. However, their risk of death, stroke or hospitalization for heart failure did not decrease significantly. (Note: Vitamin D levels were monitored to ensure they did not rise to toxic levels. Excessive vitamin D levels can cause kidney failure and abnormal heart rhythms).
Coenzyme Q10
The AHA notes that coenzyme Q10 supplements may offer some benefit in people with hypertension, but the organization doesn’t recommend them. Instead, the AHA recommends people with hypertension increase their dietary potassium intake while warning that conditions like renal failure and renal insufficiency can raise potassium to dangerously high levels.
Other Nutrients
Concerning supplements of ingredients normally acquired through your diet, research has consistently shown that many components act differently when consumed separately. Fish oil is a good example. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil supplements) are known to lower cardiovascular risk when consumed in fatty fish like salmon, but omega-3 supplements have not been shown to have the same effect. Researchers think the benefits may depend on the interaction of many ingredients. Note: Studies have found that taking higher doses (more than 1 gram) of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a common heart-rhythm abnormality and major risk factor for stroke.
Folate is necessary for expectant mothers, but it is not recommended for cardiovascular prevention. Phytosterols and fiber are more beneficial when consumed in foods rather than as supplements.
How Can I Lower My Cardiovascular Risk?
Preventing heart and vascular disease requires more effort than simply taking a supplement. Clinical trials have proven beyond a doubt that certain lifestyle measures lower cardiovascular risk. For this reason, the AHA advises people to get the nutrients they require by consuming a well-rounded diet like the Mediterranean diet.
At the same time, being heart-healthy requires maintaining your weight, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar at normal levels, getting the recommended amount of exercise every week (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly), not smoking and getting at least seven hours of quality sleep a night.
