Heart Problems? Avoid These 11 Supplements

Supplements have been hailed for the ability to treat many health conditions, including heart problems, by providing nutrients to the body that it may lack.

However, there are herbal remedies that should not be used by heart patients, especially when they are taking medications for their heart problems.

Some supplements can be hazardous and even fatal when taken with medicine to treat heart problems, advises Cleveland Clinic.

Anyone taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, digoxin, and other medications for the heart should first consult a doctor about taking any supplements.

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These 11 supplements may be beneficial for other health conditions, but they should be avoided when heart problems exist:

1. Garlic has been used to lower cholesterol levels, but increases bleeding when interacting with blood-thinners.

2. Hawthorn is an herbal remedy typically taken by patients with high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. However, hawthorn should not be used when taking an anticoagulant because of the possible increases in bleeding.

3. Ginkgo extract, another holistic treatment for blood flow may cause excessive bleeding for patients taking blood-thinning drugs.

4. Ephedra, a Chinese herbal remedy for asthma and allergies, could cause fatal interactions with heart medications, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

The Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of ephedra in the U.S. in 2004.

5. Goldenseal could increase or decrease blood pressure. Ingredients have been linked to heart rhythm abnormalities.

6. Licorice root has the potential to increase blood pressure and may cause heart rhythm abnormalities.

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7. Saw palmetto may increase the risk of bleeding when interacting with warfarin, an anticoagulant drug used to reduce blood clots and prevent heart attack, according to Health.com.

8. Echinacea may increase the risk of liver damage for patients taking statin medications, niacin, and other drugs to help lower cholesterol.

9. St. John’s wort interferes with the absorption of heart medications, including statins, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers

10. Ginseng can lessen the effects of warfarin and cause life-threatening blood clots, increase blood pressure, and interfere with diuretics, says U.S. News and World Report.

11. Yohimbine has been used for sexual dysfunction, but it could increase heart rate and blood pressure for heart patients taking ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure.

Taking the supplement with beta blockers could also increase the heart rate and risk for high blood pressure.

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