Coenzyme Q10
(CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10
(CoQ10) is a naturally occurring
nutrient that boosts cellular
energy production in the
mitochondria, the cell's energy
powerhouse. Several studies have
found that CoQ10 supplementation
energizes the heart muscle,
decreases chest congestion, and
may protect against congestive
heart failure (2-4). Other studies report
that CoQ10
supplementation may significantly
improve heart function in
patients with CHF when used as an
adjunct to conventional drug
therapy, than results obtained
from conventional drug therapy
alone (5,
6).
Magnesium
Magnesium is often
low in patients with congestive
heart failure. A deficiency
of this mineral can lead to
irregular heartbeat and coronary
artery spasm (7).
Supplementation with magnesium can
significantly improve heart
function in patients with
Congestive Heart Failure when
used as an adjunct to conventional
drug therapy, more so than results
obtained from conventional drug
therapy alone (8-10).
Carnitine
Carnitine is a
vitamin-like nutrient that boosts
energy production through the
breakdown of fats by the
mitochondria. Several studies have
shown that carnitine
supplementation improves heart
function in patients with CHF and
can significantly improve heart
function when used as an adjunct
to conventional drug therapy (11-13,
6).
Hawthorne
Hawthorne (Crataegus
sp.) is an herb that has been
widely used in Europe for heart
and circulatory problems. Studies
have demonstrated the
effectiveness of hawthorne
supplementation in treating early
stages of Congestive Heart
Failure (14,
6).
Arginine
Supplementation
with the amino acid arginine has
been shown to increase the body's circulation by dilating blood
vessels. Studies have shown that arginine supplementation improves
heart function in patients with
Congestive Heart Failure (15-17).
Human Growth
Hormone
Supplementation
with human growth hormone may be
of benefit in the treatment of
Congestive Heart Failure.
Several studies have shown that
both the supplementation with human growth
hormone alone, and in conjunction
with conventional medications,
improved hears function and
clinical symptoms in patients with CHF (18-
22).
Taurine
Taurine, a
derivative of the amino acid
cysteine, may be beneficial in
patients with CHF. Supplementation
with taurine has been shown to
help improve heart function and
protect heart muscle cells during
heart surgery (23).
Potassium
Potassium, a
nutritional mineral, is often low
in patients with congestive heart
failure, which can lead to
irregular heart rhythms (24). Low potassium levels are often due
to prescribed cardiovascular
drugs, such as loop and thiazide
diuretics and some calcium channel
blockers. Supplementation with
potassium to maintain blood
potassium levels can help prevent
potassium loss and irregular heart
rhythms (25,
26).
Vitamin E
Vitamin E may be
beneficial in patients with heart
disease, such as CHF. Vitamin E
supplementation helps to lower LDL
(‘bad') cholesterol levels,
prevent LDL oxidation by free
radicals, and prevent heart
fibrillation. Eliminating
these risk factors reduces the
risks for developing
atherosclerosis and helps to
improve
heart function (27,
28).
Essential fatty
acids (Fish oil, Flax oil, Perilla
oil)
Essential fatty
acids, such as fish oil and flax
oil, may be beneficial in patients
with heart disease, such as CHF. Fish oil supplementation has been
reported to help reduce plasma
cholesterol levels, with the most
significant decreases being in
triglyceride levels. The
many constituents of fish oils may improve
the overall functioning of the
heart (29,
30). Alpha-linolenic
acid (perilla oil or flax oil) has
been found to reduce the incidence
of atherosclerosis, stroke, and
second heart attacks (31).
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