Posted: November 13, 2007

Summary:
It is widely known and accepted that a well-balanced and complete diet is a critical component of everyone's heart healthy plan. Many of the foods and liquids we consume can have a very beneficial impact on our heart health. However, if over a continuous period of time we make poor diet choices, the impact of our decisions can become disastrous. In addition to diet and exercise, dietary supplements can help boost a person’s immune system and may improve your overall quality of life.

In a 17-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers stated that participants with the highest blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids were more than 80 percent less likely to die from heart disease.

Another popular nutrient that has shown to have positive impact on heart health is Green Tea. In an 11-year Japanese observational study, published in the September 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, both men and women who consumed higher amounts of Green Tea showed improved life expectancy. The positive effects of Green Tea come from an ingredient known as EGCG, which as an antioxidant is 100 times more effective and 25 times more effective than vitamin C and vitamin E respectively.

Yet another nutrient widely studied for its heart health benefits is resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine. While researchers can't say how much resveratrol is needed to be beneficial, they do say that drinking red wine in moderation (one or two five-ounce glasses per day) may offer protective effects.

Omega-3 fatty acids, Green Tea and resveratrol are just three examples of well-documented nutrients that contribute to a healthier heart. However, a healthy diet alone may not be enough, no matter how complete. T here are far too many variables that keep your diet from being a sufficient source of these nutrients. For example, different fish have different amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. Also, it takes far too many cups of Green Tea to get the therapeutic levels needed to gain its full benefits. And, t here is wide variation in the amount of resveratrol in different red wines.

From my experience working to find the best supplements to meet patients’ cardiovascular needs, I’ve seen evidence that supplements provide the proper amount of nutrients to maximize heart disease prevention in existing patients, as well as for individuals who want to aggressively prevent heart disease. In my opinion, a great formula for a healthy heart consists of combining healthy choices with dietary supplements, standard medical care and Exercise.

ABOUT DR. SURKIN Lee A. Surkin, M.D., F.A.C.C., completed a fellowship in cardiology at Yale University and holds a medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa. He also has a master's degree in Nutrition from Columbia University School of Medicine and is board certified in cardiology and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Surkin has additional training in the evaluation and management of sleep disorders from the Atlanta School of Medicine and Technology.



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