(LifeWire) - The US government's bold action in 2003 banning all dietary supplements containing ephedra -- often used in weight loss or "athletic performance" products -- targeted Americans' cardiac health following the implication that the use of ephedra triggers heart attacks and strokes. But those supplements are not the only ones that can affect people with heart disease. Many products still on the market have potentially dangerous consequences.
Dietary supplements other than vitamins are hugely popular among Americans hoping to either enhance their health or prevent disease. An estimated 10 to 19% of all adults take these supplements, which are not regulated by the US FDA. They typically contain minerals, herbs or other botanicals, fibers, proteins, amino acids, organ tissues or metabolites.
According to a 2006 report that examined more than 31,000 people's health habits, more than 1 in 5 who take supplements also use prescription drugs, but don't inform their doctors that they're combining both of these together. Also, 1 out of every 6 is being treated for congestive heart failure or heart disease or has a history of heart attacks.
Supplements that are potentially dangerous to cardiac health often interact negatively with prescription medications for heart disease patients. They include:
- "Sexual enhancement" supplements, such as Zimaxx, Libidus, Vigor-25 and 4EVERON. These products contain ingredients similar to the prescription erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (Sildenafil). These supplements may dangerously interact with medications taken by those with hypertension or high cholesterol; one particular danger is that they may create hypotension -- a medically unacceptable low level of blood pressure. Those who take nitrates for heart conditions may be particularly at risk.
- St. John's wort, used for mild depression, lowers the effectiveness of a wide range of medications, including drugs to treat heart failure, strokes or heart attacks.
- More than 180 supplements -- including anise, dong quai, ginger and gingko -- can prevent blood thinners from working properly or can enhance their effectiveness to what may be dangerous levels. Blood thinners, which help prevent heart attack and stroke, include aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel and ticlopidine.
Check with your doctor about potential drug reactions or health hazards before consuming any dietary supplement.
Sources:
Gardiner, Paula, Robert E. Graham, Anna T.R. Legedza, David M. Eisenberg, and Russell S. Phillips. "Factors Associated with Dietary Supplement Use Among Prescription Medication Users." Archives of Internal Medicine 166(2006): 1968-1974. 22 Oct. 2008 <http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/166/18/1968>.
Meadows, Michelle. "Cracking Down on Health Fraud." fda.gov. Nov.-Dec. 2006. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 22 Oct. 2008 <http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2006/606_fraud.html>.
"National Conference to Examine Effects of Dietary Supplements in Patients Taking Blood Thinning Medication." nih.gov. 10 Jan. 2005. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. 22 Oct. 2008 <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/new/press/05-01-10.htm>.
