Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Heart Attack
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
L-Carnitine | 2 grams daily |  [3 stars] Taking L-carnitine may help reduce damage and complications following a heart attack. |
Fish Oil | 850 to, 1700 mg omega-3 fatty acids |  [2 stars] Supplementing with fish oil may reduce the chances of having another heart attack. |
Folic Acid | 500 to 800 mcg daily | [2 stars] Taking folic acid may reduce blood levels of homocysteine. High homocysteine levels have been linked to an increased heart attack risk. |
Magnesium Intravenous | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Magnesium given intravenously after a heart attack has been shown to decrease death and complications from heart attacks. |
N-Acetyl Cysteine | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] In one study, NAC injections decreased the amount of tissue damage in people who had suffered a heart attack. |
Red Yeast Rice (Xuezhikang; for post-event treatment only, not acute attacks ) | 300 mg twice a day (with doctor supervision) | [2 stars] In one trial that included patients with a previous history of a heart attack, supplementing with a particular brand of Chinese red yeast ricethatcontained6 mg per day of lovastatin (a statin drug) reduced risk of deathfrom heart disease.
|
Selenium | 100 to 200 mcg daily | [2 stars] Some doctors recommend that people at risk for a heart attack supplement with selenium. |
Vitamin E | 400 to 800 IU daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with vitamin E, synthetic or natural, may help reduce heart attack risk. |
Astragalus | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Preliminary clinical trials in China suggest that astragalus may be beneficial for people after they have suffered a heart attack. |
Beta-Carotene | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with beta-carotene may reduce the likelihood of a heart attack and may improve the outcome for people who have already had a heart attack. |
Chondroitin Sulfate | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Taking chondroitin sulfate may reduce the risk of heart attack in people with a history of heart disease or who are at risk for heart attack. |
Magnesium Oral | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with magnesium may reduce heart attack risk. |
Vitamin B12 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Taking vitamin B12 may reduce blood levels of homocysteine. High homocysteine levels have been linked to an increased heart attack risk. |
Vitamin B6 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Taking vitamin B6 may reduce blood levels of homocysteine. High homocysteine levels have been linked to an increased heart attack risk. |
Vitamin C | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin C has been reported to protect blood vessels from problems associated with heart attack risk in a variety of ways. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.