2 Popular Supplements That “Possesses Heart Risk”

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Supplements can exaggerate the effects of other medications you take to dangerous levels.

Supplements can have a variety of benefits. They can boost your immune system, lower your “bad” LDL cholesterol, and more. But some supplements “may pose heart risks” when taken under certain conditions.

Unlike prescription drugs, supplements are often sold without evidence that they work or are safe.

Red Yeast Rice

The supplement is made from yeast that grows on white rice. It can be taken in pill form. It is often used to improve blood health. A substance in the supplement called monacolin causes a decrease in “bad” cholesterol levels, which in turn lowers blood pressure. Because of this, it is often used as a statin.

But when used with statins, it can be dangerous. It can actually make your heart condition worse, not better.

L-arginine

The amino acid supplement is one of the chemicals that make up nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide reacts with the walls of your blood vessels and causes them to relax and open up. As a result, L-arginine is marketed to people who want to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. And in some cases, improve erections.

People with heart disease should not take it.

“L-arginine may cause your blood pressure to drop too low if you are already taking medication to treat that condition.”

But like the supplements listed above, garlic supplements may have a similar effect when your blood pressure drops too low.

“If taken with blood thinners, you may have excessive bleeding. If you are taking statins, you may have muscle damage, and blood pressure medications like warfarin may cause your blood pressure to drop too low.”