Improving Heart Health

For those of you who may have concerns about heart health, and may consequently be on statins, blood-thinners or similar medications, some research on diet supplements that you may find interesting:

• Statins often deplete the body of Co-Q10. Ubiquinol is the most active form of Co-Q10. Studies show it helps heart health and decreases the muscle pain associated with statin use. 
• Vitamin C and D are both good for general immune system support. It is possible high doses of Vitamin C may reduce arterial plaque and slow down progression of atherosclerosis. 
• Low levels of Vitamin D are correlated to higher rates of congestive heart failure. 
• Vitamin K2 is reported to prevent arterial calcification. It has different forms. The serum half-life of MK-4 variant of K2 is a few hours while the MK-7 variant can last up to 3+ days. Click here, here and here for more information. Amazon link.
• Lumbrokinase is a blood thinner that reduces fibrin clots and may also reduce arterial plaque. This medical article shows the results in a heart clot. Here's an NIH article. Amazon has lumbrokinase and Walmart also has it.
• Nattokinase dissolves clots and arterial plaque, while lowering blood pressure. It operates via a different mode than lumbrokinase. In addition to taking nattokinase pill supplements, you may also consider eating natto (fermented soybeans) for breakfast. It is available through Asian grocery stores like 99 Ranch, in the frozen food section. Amazon has nattokinase supplements.
• Pantethine (this is NOT B5, it is a derivative) lowers cholesterol effectively. Amazon link.
• Bromelain prevents or minimizes the severity of angina pectoris and transient ischemic attack (TIA). It is useful in the prevention and treatment of thrombophlebitis. It may also break down cholesterol plaques and exerts a potent fibrinolytic activity. Amazon link.
• Find fish oil with the highest concentration of EPA you can identify.
• Taurine may help reduce the risk of heart disease, thanks to its ability to decrease blood pressure and inflammation. In a review published in Amino Acids, animal models suggest that a higher intake could help protect against heart disease and prevent fatty plaque build-up in the arteries. Click here, here and here for more information. Amazon link. 
• Berberine alone and in combination with other supplements provided an average LDL percent reduction of 20–30%. Oral dose from 150 mg to 1000 mg/day (also see here). Amazon link
• Citrus Bergamot Extract studies showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDLc. The decrease in total cholesterol varied from 12.3% to 31.3%, from 7.6% to 40.8% in LDLc and from 11.5% to 39.5% in triglycerides. Amazon link.
• Lysine, according to Linus Pauling's research, provides essential cellular building blocks for repair of arteries. Amazon link.

Men's Heart Health: best cholesterol tests

What the results should look like: "Our meta-analysis suggests that not only should LDL be reduced to a target level of < 80 mg/dL, but HDL should be increased to a target level of > 45 mg/dL to regress coronary plaques."

Potassium is also a good heart health supplement, that also has positive effects on reducing stroke and blood pressure. There are no potassium supplements, but eating a couple of kiwis a day, or an avocado, will provide more potassium than a banana.