Cardiovascular disease affects nearly half of all U.S. adults aged 20 and older, representing about 127.9 million people — a statistic that includes people with high blood pressure, heart failure or a recent stroke.

The good news is there are many steps you can take, including taking vitamins for heart health, to help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular problems. This includes:

• Avoiding or quitting smoking. Stopping (or better yet, never starting) tobacco use is essential for cardiovascular health, as tobacco use is a major risk factor for heart disease.

• Exercising regularly. Being physically active helps strengthen the heart, improve blood vessel function and control risk factors like obesity and diabetes.

• Keeping cholesterol levels and blood pressure within a healthy range. Besides taking any cholesterol and blood pressure medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider, following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can promote cardiovascular health.

While supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet, they can help you consistently obtain essential nutrients to help promote heart health.

Try Vitamins That Help Support Heart Health

It's time to prioritize a healthy heart! Make sure you are getting enough of the following nutrients in your diet. If not, you may want to consider supplements or vitamins for heart health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oil Capsules

Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated ("good") fats that may support cardiovascular health. The human body needs these fats for vital functions, but cannot produce them naturally — you'll need to get these good fats from your diet.

The U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends that adults eat at least 8 ounces of fish or shellfish per week, particularly seafood containing higher amounts of specific omega-3s called EPA and DHA, such as salmon or mackerel. Another form of omega-3 is ALA, which is found in plants like walnuts and flaxseeds.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. High levels of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease. Some omega-3s have been approved as prescription drugs. Your healthcare provider may prescribe one of these in combination with diet changes to help lower triglycerides.

Additionally, one analysis showed that people who consumed 3 grams daily of combined EPA and DHA had modestly reduced blood pressure, versus people who did not.

Omega-3s from fish may also reduce the risk of ischemic stroke (a type of stroke caused by the blockage of a blood vessel in the brain). If you aren't getting enough omega-3s in your diet, a supplement like fish oil may be a good option.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is an essential vitamin that's found mainly in dark green leafy vegetables, beans, peas and nuts. One of folic acid's primary roles in the body is to break down homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood. If the levels of homocysteine become too high, this can damage arteries and increase the risk of blood clots, leading to heart attack or stroke.

Folic acid supplements, alongside vitamin B12, have been shown to reduce the levels of homocysteine, which may help protect against heart attack and stroke in people with low folate and high homocysteine levels.*

Other names for folic acid are folate and vitamin B9.

Psyllium (Fiber)

Fiber is considered a heart-healthy nutrient for several reasons, including its ability to improve digestion and help lower cholesterol levels. Fiber helps you feel full, potentially reducing obesity risk (a major risk factor for heart disease). High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables and legumes like raspberries, apples, green peas, broccoli, black beans and lentils. Moderate intake of foods such as whole wheat pasta, barley, quinoa or oatmeal can also boost your fiber consumption.

Most Americans don't get enough fiber in their diets. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, includes recommendations for daily fiber requirements. These recommendations vary depending on age and/or sex, as follows:

For infants/children 12 months through 23 months of age, most should receive 19 grams of fiber daily. For kids two to three years old, aim for 14 grams daily.

Psyllium is a natural form of soluble fiber commonly found in dietary supplements such as Metamucil and Konsyl. One multicenter study showed that taking 5.1 grams of psyllium twice a day can significantly lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol levels in men and women with high cholesterol. Psyllium, when used along with a balanced diet, can be a beneficial addition or may even be an alternative to cholesterol medication for certain patients.**

Getting enough fiber can raise your high-density lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol levels, which may support healthy blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for maintaining cardiovascular health. Rich sources of magnesium include greens, nuts, seeds, dry beans, whole grains, wheat germ, wheat and oat bran. A magnesium deficiency can have implications for heart health. Research has shown that low blood levels of magnesium are linked to an increased risk of several cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart failure.

Protecting Heart Health

Before starting any new dietary supplement, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that some vitamins, minerals and supplements may interact with medications. All in all, incorporating a variety of heart-healthy nutrients into your diet is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. Now is the time to consult with your Rite Aid pharmacist and learn more about supplements for the heart.

Written by: Patricia Weiser, PharmD

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

**Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 7 grams of soluble fiber per day from psyllium husk may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.

These articles are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in these articles. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication regimen.