You probably want to do what you can to keep your heart healthy, especially since heart disease is one of the top causes of death. Of course, medication and surgery can help treat some heart conditions. But you may also wonder whether things like natural remedies for heart health, such as herbal supplements, acupuncture or yoga, are good options.
These treatments are called alternative and complementary therapies. You’ll often hear them mentioned together, but they don’t mean the same thing:
- Alternative therapies: Alternative heart health treatments are used instead of standard medical treatments. Examples could be using herbal remedies or acupuncture to manage your heart health without including standard care.
- Complementary therapies: Complementary therapies for heart health are used alongside conventional treatments. For example, you might practice yoga for heart health or use dietary supplements while you’re also taking prescribed heart medication.
Alternative and complementary therapies fall under the umbrella of holistic health, which considers the whole person — mind, body and spirit — in caring for health and well-being. Holistic heart health treatments often focus on lifestyle changes, stress reduction and natural remedies.
“Some of these treatments may be helpful, while others are unproven or even risky,” said Pratik Dalal, MD, a cardiologist with Banner - University Medicine. And even those that are helpful should be used along with, not in place of, standard medical care.
Popular science-backed alternative and complementary heart therapies
Treatments that are proven effective are backed by evidence-based care. That means rigorous scientific studies have found that they are safe and effective. Heart health treatments with strong scientific backing include:
Exercise
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to support heart health. It can improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, help manage weight, improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart disease-related complications.
Your provider may recommend:
- Aerobic activities like walking, swimming or cycling. These exercises for heart health raise the heart rate and improve endurance.
- Strength training to build muscle, which helps the body use oxygen more efficiently.
- Flexibility exercises such as stretching or yoga to improve mobility and reduce your risk of injury.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Found in fish oil, omega-3s support heart health by lowering triglycerides, reducing inflammation and possibly decreasing the risk of heart attack. Many experts recommend omega-3 supplements for people who don’t eat enough fish.
Yoga
This practice combines physical postures, controlled breathing and relaxation techniques. Studies have shown that regular yoga practice can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve circulation and enhance heart health.
Meditation
Focusing on mindfulness and relaxation can help lower stress hormone levels and support a calm, healthy cardiovascular system. Research has found that regular meditation can reduce heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and anxiety.
Massage therapy
Massage may reduce stress, promote relaxation, lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. “Research on the benefits of massage therapy for heart health is still growing. However, when combined with guideline-directed medical therapy, massage therapy can be an effective way to manage the physiologic, psychologic and physical stresses associated with cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Dalal said.
Popular therapies without enough research or support
There’s not a lot of scientific evidence to support the use of these therapies:
Garlic
People may take garlic to reduce inflammation and support circulation. “Some studies suggest that garlic supplements can modestly reduce cholesterol levels, but more research is needed to confirm its long-term benefits,” Dr. Dalal said.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn may improve circulation and help manage mild heart failure, but talk to your health care provider if you’re considering it since it can interfere with heart medications.
Acupuncture
This traditional Chinese medicine practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow. Supporters claim that acupuncture can help manage blood pressure, improve blood flow and reduce stress.
While more extensive, high-quality studies are needed to confirm these benefits, you can probably use acupuncture alongside conventional treatments.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
This antioxidant may help your heart cells create energy and may help with symptoms if you have heart failure. But it may thin your blood and increase your risk of bleeding.
Tips for working with your health care provider
“Talk to your health care provider about any treatments you would like to try to help improve your heart health,” Dr. Dalal said. You’ll want to make sure they’re safe and effective and that they work with, not against, conventional treatments.
You may want to ask your provider these questions:
- Is this therapy safe for my condition?
- Will this treatment interact with any of my current medications?
- Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
- How can I monitor the effectiveness of this therapy?
- Are there safer, evidence-based alternative heart treatments?
- What dosage or frequency should I follow?
Having an open conversation with your health care provider may help you understand how any new therapy matches your heart health goals and complements your existing treatment plan.
Tips for using alternative and complementary therapies safely
When you’re evaluating heart health treatments, watch out for supplements for heart disease and treatments that exaggerate their benefits or use words like natural or safe without any evidence that they are effective or risk-free. Look for scientific studies or reputable sources that back up claims about the treatment. Good results in clinical trials can be a sign that a therapy is more likely to be effective.
If you take supplements, follow recommended dosages and talk to your provider to make sure they don’t interfere with other medications. Look for certifications from organizations like the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) to be sure they meet safety and quality standards. Therapies without oversight or regulation may contain harmful ingredients or contaminants.
The bottom line
Work with your health care provider to learn more about how to choose safe heart therapies and ensure that any treatments you choose are safe and effective for you. Be sure to use them alongside standard medical treatments, not in place of them.
If you’d like to connect with an expert who can help you understand the pros and cons of different treatments based on your heart health, reach out to Banner Health.
