Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, yet many people focus only on medications while overlooking daily nutritional support. According to Dr. Rakesh Malhotra, a cardiovascular surgeon with over 25 years of clinical experience, small nutritional gaps if ignored for years can quietly weaken heart health.
While supplements are not a replacement for medical treatment, Dr. Malhotra says certain nutrients can support heart function, reduce inflammation, and improve long-term cardiovascular resilience, especially when paired with exercise, sleep, and a balanced diet.
Here are three supplements he commonly discusses with patients, along with the science behind them.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supporting Heart Rhythm and Artery Health
Omega-3 fatty acids especially EPA and DHA are among the most extensively studied nutrients for heart health.
“These fats help calm inflammation inside blood vessels and may reduce abnormal heart rhythms,” explains Dr. Malhotra.
How Omega-3s help:
- Support healthy triglyceride levels
- Improve flexibility of blood vessels
- Reduce low-grade inflammation linked to heart attacks
- Support stable heart rhythm
Multiple studies associate regular omega-3 intake with a lower risk of sudden cardiac events, particularly in people with existing risk factors.
Best sources:
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) or high-quality fish oil supplements.
Important note:
People on blood thinners should consult a doctor before supplementing.
2. Magnesium: The Overlooked Mineral Your Heart Depends On
Magnesium plays a vital role in over 300 biochemical reactions, including those that regulate heartbeat, muscle contraction, and blood pressure.
“Many of my patients are unknowingly deficient,” Dr. Malhotra notes. “Low magnesium can contribute to palpitations, high blood pressure, and fatigue.”
Heart-related benefits include:
- Helps maintain normal heart rhythm
- Supports blood pressure regulation
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Assists proper muscle relaxation
Chronic stress, poor sleep, and processed foods significantly lower magnesium levels over time.
Common forms recommended:
Magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate (better absorbed, gentler on digestion).
3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Fuel for the Heart Muscle
The heart is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body—and CoQ10 is essential for cellular energy production.
“As we age, natural CoQ10 levels drop,” says Dr. Malhotra. “This decline can affect how efficiently the heart muscle works.”
CoQ10 is especially relevant for people taking statin medications, which are known to reduce CoQ10 levels.
Potential benefits:
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Supports energy production in heart cells
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May improve exercise tolerance
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Helps reduce statin-related muscle fatigue
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Supports overall mitochondrial health
Clinical studies suggest CoQ10 supplementation may modestly improve symptoms in people with heart failure when used alongside medical therapy.
What Supplements Cannot Do
Dr. Malhotra stresses an important reality:
“Supplements support heart health they don’t reverse blocked arteries or replace medication.”
No supplement can undo years of smoking, inactivity, or uncontrolled diabetes. Their role is preventive and supportive, not curative.
True heart longevity still depends on:
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Regular physical activity
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Balanced nutrition
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Blood pressure and sugar control
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Adequate sleep
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Stress management
Who Should Be Extra Careful
Not everyone should take supplements blindly.
People who must consult a doctor first include:
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Those on blood thinners
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Kidney disease patients
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Heart rhythm disorder patients
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Pregnant individuals
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People on multiple prescription medications
Self-prescribing supplements in high doses may do more harm than good.
The Bigger Message from a Heart Surgeon
After 25 years in operating theatres, Dr. Malhotra says the biggest lesson is simple:
“Most heart problems don’t begin suddenly. They build quietly over decades.”
Small, consistent habits nutritional sufficiency, movement, and routine checkups often matter more than dramatic interventions later in life.
Supplements, when used wisely, can act as support pillars, helping the heart age more gracefully but they work best when combined with a heart-smart lifestyle.
