Vitamins and minerals to maintain heart after myocardial infarction: Complex review
I. Introduction to postinfarct restoration and role of vitamins
After the myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, the heart is weakened and vulnerable. The restoration and prevention of repeated episodes require an integrated approach, including drug therapy, a change in lifestyle (diet, physical activity, rejection of smoking) and, if necessary, rehabilitation. In the context of diet, vitamins and minerals play an important, although not the only one, a role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. They are not a replacement for traditional treatment, but can serve as a valuable addition, contributing to a more effective restoration and reduction in the risk of complications. It is important to understand that taking any vitamin additives should be discussed with the attending physician, since they can interact with the drugs taken or have contraindications in a particular case.
II. Vitamin D: sunlight for a healthy heart
Vitamin D, often called “solar vitamin”, plays an important role in the regulation of the level of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which is necessary for the health of bones. However, recent studies show that vitamin D also affects the cardiovascular system.
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Exact mechanisms:
- Blood pressure regulation: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of development of hypertension (high blood pressure). Vitamin D promotes the production of renin, an enzyme that regulates blood pressure.
- Improving the function of the endothelium: Endothelium is the inner layer of blood vessels that play an important role in the regulation of blood flow and prevent blood clots. Vitamin D can improve the function of the endothelium, thereby contributing to a healthy blood circulation.
- Reduced inflammation: Inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis, the process of the formation of plaques in the arteries. Vitamin D has anti -inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Reduction of risk of heart failure: Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of heart failure.
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Dosage and sources:
- The optimal level of vitamin D in the blood is usually 30-50 ng/ml. To maintain this level, it is often recommended to take additives with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) at a dose of 1000 to 2000 IU per day. However, the exact dosage should be determined by the doctor on the basis of the results of blood tests for vitamin D.
- Sources of vitamin D: sunlight (skin synthesizes vitamin D under the influence of ultraviolet rays), oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolks, enriched products (milk, yogurt, flakes).
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Cautions: Excessive use of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia (increased level of calcium in the blood), which can be dangerous to health. Before taking the additives with vitamin D, it is necessary to consult a doctor and regularly control the level of vitamin D in the blood.
III. Vitamin C: antioxidant protection and vascular support
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in protecting cells from damage by free radicals. After myocardial infarction, oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) can be increased, which can aggravate damage to the heart muscle.
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Exact mechanisms:
- Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, protecting the cells from damage. This is especially important after a heart attack, when damaged cells secrete a large number of free radicals.
- Collagen synthesis: Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, protein, which provides strength and elasticity of blood vessels. This is important for restoring damaged vessels after a heart attack and preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
- Improving the function of the endothelium: Vitamin C can improve the function of the endothelium, contributing to the expansion of blood vessels and improving blood flow.
- Close -to -level decrease in cholesterol: Some studies show that vitamin C can help reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
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Dosage and sources:
- The recommended daily dose of vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. In some cases, after myocardial infarction, the doctor may recommend higher doses.
- Sources of vitamin C: fruits and vegetables (citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, bell pepper, broccoli, spinach).
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Cautions: Vitamin C is usually well tolerated, but in large doses can cause stomach disorder, diarrhea and other side effects. Before taking high doses of vitamin C, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Vitamin C can interact with some drugs, for example, with warfarin.
IV. Vitamin E: Another powerful antioxidant
Vitamin E is a group of fat -soluble antioxidants, which also help protect cells from damage to free radicals. The most active form of vitamin E is alpha-tocopherol.
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Exact mechanisms:
- Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin E prevents the oxidation of lipids (fats) in cells, including lipids that make up cell membranes and lipoproteins (LDL and HDL). LDL oxidation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis.
- Reduced inflammation: Vitamin E has anti -inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Prevention of blood clots: Vitamin E can inhibit platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots.
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Dosage and sources:
- The recommended daily dose of vitamin E is 15 mg (22.4 IU).
- Sources of vitamin E: vegetable oils (sunflower, olive, corn), nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli).
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Cautions: In high doses, vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants (for example, warfarin). Before taking additives with vitamin E, you need to consult a doctor.
V. Vitamins of group B: Support for energy metabolism and decrease in homocysteine
B vitamins play an important role in energy metabolism, that is, in the process of converting food into energy necessary for the functioning of cells, including heart cells. Some vitamins of group B, in particular, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid, also participate in the metabolism of homocysteine, amino acids, the high level of which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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Vitamin B1 (TIAMIN): It is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism and functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to heart failure.
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Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Participates in energy metabolism and can help reduce LDL cholesterol and increase the level of HDL cholesterol. However, high doses of niacin can cause side effects, such as redness of the skin, itching and stomach disorder.
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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin): Participates in amino acid metabolism, including homocysteine. Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to an increase in homocysteine levels.
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Vitamin B9 (folic acid): It is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and the metabolism of homocysteine. Folic acid deficiency can lead to an increase in homocysteine levels.
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Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): It is necessary for the functioning of the nervous system and the metabolism of homocysteine. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to an increase in homocysteine levels.
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Dosage and sources: The dosage of group B vitamins depends on individual needs and the presence of a deficit. B vitamins are contained in many foods, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, whole grain products, legumes, green leafy vegetables. In some cases, it may be necessary to take additives with B vitamins B.
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Cautions: B vitamins are usually tolerated, but in high doses can cause side effects. Niacin in high doses can cause redness of the skin, itching and stomach disorder. Vitamin B6 in very high doses can cause nerves damage. Before taking high doses of B vitamins, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
VI. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Energy for the heart
Coenzym Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin -like substance that plays an important role in the production of energy in cells, especially in the heart cells. It is also a powerful antioxidant.
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Exact mechanisms:
- Energy production: COQ10 is involved in the electron-transport circuit of mitochondria, organelles responsible for the production of energy in cells. It helps to transfer the electrons necessary for the synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of energy for cells. After myocardial infarction, damaged heart cells may experience energy deficiency, and COQ10 can help improve energy metabolism.
- Antioxidant Protection: COQ10 neutralizes free radicals, protecting the cells from damage.
- Improving the function of the endothelium: COQ10 can improve the function of the endothelium, contributing to the expansion of blood vessels and improving blood flow.
- Reduced blood pressure: Some studies show that COQ10 can help reduce blood pressure.
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Dosage and sources:
- It is usually recommended to take from 100 to 300 mg COQ10 per day.
- COQ10 is contained in small quantities in meat, fish, poultry and some vegetable oils. However, to achieve therapeutic doses, add -ons are usually required.
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Cautions: COQ10 is usually well tolerated, but in some cases it can cause stomach disorder, nausea and insomnia. COQ10 can interact with some drugs, for example, with warfarin. Before taking COQ10, you need to consult a doctor.
VII. Minerals for the heart: magnesium, potassium and selenium
In addition to vitamins, some minerals play an important role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system after myocardial infarction.
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Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in the regulation of heart rhythm, blood pressure and muscle function, including the heart muscle. Magnesium deficiency can increase the risk of arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances) and hypertension.
- Exact mechanisms: Magnesium helps to relax blood vessels, which can reduce blood pressure. It also participates in potassium and calcium transport in cells, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the heart muscle.
- Dosage and sources: The recommended daily dose of magnesium is 400-420 mg for men and 310-320 mg for women. Magnesium is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. In some cases, it may be required to take additives with magnesium.
- Cautions: High doses of magnesium can cause diarrhea. Magnesium can interact with some drugs. Before taking additives with magnesium, you need to consult a doctor.
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Potassium: Potassium is involved in the regulation of heart rhythm, blood pressure and muscle function. It helps to maintain the balance of electrolytes in the body. Potassium deficiency can increase the risk of arrhythmia and hypertension.
- Exact mechanisms: Potassium helps reduce blood pressure, removing excess sodium from the body. It also participates in the transmission of the nerve impulses necessary for the normal functioning of the heart muscle.
- Dosage and sources: The recommended daily potassium dose is 4700 mg. Potassium is found in bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach and legumes. In some cases, it may be required to receive additives with potassium. However, taking additives with potassium should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor, since potassium excess can also be dangerous.
- Cautions: Excess potassium (hyperkalemia) can cause serious heart rhythm disturbances. Do not take additives with potassium without a doctor’s prescription.
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Selenium: Selenium is an important trace element that has antioxidant properties and is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. He can also play a role in protecting the cardiovascular system.
- Exact mechanisms: Selenium is part of glutathioneperoxidase, an antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from damage by free radicals. It can also help reduce inflammation and improve the function of the endothelium.
- Dosage and sources: The recommended daily dose of selenium is 55 μg. Selenium is found in Brazilian nuts, tuna, eggs, sunflower seeds and whole grain products.
- Cautions: High doses of selenium can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and hair loss. You should not take high doses of selenium without a doctor’s prescription.
VIII. Omega-3 fatty acids: necessary fats for heart health
Although omega-3 fatty acids are technically not vitamins or minerals, they play an important role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system, especially after the myocardial infarction. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPK and DGK) are polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring) and some plant sources (flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds).
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Exact mechanisms:
- Reducing the level of triglycerides: Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to a decrease in the level of triglycerides in the blood, one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
- Reduced blood pressure: Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce blood pressure.
- Prevention of blood clots: Omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots.
- Reduced inflammation: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Improving the function of the endothelium: Omega-3 fatty acids can improve the function of the endothelium, contributing to the expansion of blood vessels and improve blood flow.
- Reduction in risk of arrhythmia: Some studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of arrhythmia.
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Dosage and sources:
- It is recommended to consume at least 1-2 grams of EPK and DGK per day. This can be obtained by consuming fatty fish 2-3 times a week or taking additives with fish oil or croil oil. Vegetarians and vegans can receive omega-3 fatty acids from linen oil, chia and walnuts, but it is important to remember that plant sources contain Alk (alpha-linolenic acid), which should be transformed into EPK and DHK in the body. This transformation process is not very effective, therefore, vegetarians and vegans may need to accept additives with EPK and DGK obtained from algae.
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Cautions: In high doses of omega-3, fatty acids can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants (for example, warfarin). Fish oil can cause belching and fish taste in the mouth. Before taking high doses of Omega-3 fatty acids, you need to consult a doctor.
IX. Practical recommendations for taking vitamins and minerals after heart attack
- Consultation with a doctor: Before you start taking any vitamin or mineral additives, you need to consult your doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate your individual needs, take into account the drugs and contraindications you take, and recommend the optimal dosage.
- Blood test: The doctor can prescribe a blood test for vitamins and minerals to identify a deficiency and determine the need to take additives.
- Balanced nutrition: Try to receive the necessary vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, legumes, nuts, seeds, low -fat meat, fish and dairy products. Additives should be considered as an addition to a healthy diet, and not as its replacement.
- The choice of quality additives: Choose additives from famous and reliable manufacturers. Pay attention to the certification of quality and the availability of independent laboratory tests.
- Dosage compliance: Strictly follow the recommended dosage indicated on the package or prescribed by a doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as this can lead to side effects.
- Interaction with drugs: Tell the doctor about all the drugs that you take, as vitamins and minerals can interact with some drugs.
- Observation of side effects: Carefully follow your condition and inform the doctor about any side effects that you experience after taking vitamin or mineral additives.
- Regular control: Regularly visit a doctor to control the health status and adjust the treatment plan, including taking vitamins and minerals.
X. Research and evidence base
It is important to note that the influence of vitamins and minerals on the cardiovascular system is the subject of active research. Not all studies give unambiguous results, and some results may be contradictory. In this regard, it is important to rely on the evidence base and the recommendations of medical specialists. Some studies show the benefits of taking certain vitamins and minerals after myocardial infarction, while other studies did not reveal a significant effect or even showed potential harm.
For example, several studies have shown that taking omega-3 fatty acids after myocardial infarction can reduce the risk of repeated cardiovascular events. However, other studies have not confirmed these results.
Vitamin D is also the subject of active research. Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while other studies have not revealed a significant connection.
It is necessary to critically evaluate information about vitamins and minerals and consult a doctor in order to make a reasonable decision on the need to take them.
XI. The importance of an integrated approach to recovery after a heart attack
Reception of vitamins and minerals is only one of the components of the integrated approach to restoration after myocardial infarction. The following factors are no less important:
- Drug therapy: Strictly observe the doctor’s prescription for taking drugs such as antiplatelets, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and statins.
- Life change change: Refuse smoking, adhere to a healthy diet, regularly engage in physical activity and control weight.
- Rehabilitation: Participate in the cardiological rehabilitation program that will help you restore physical form and adapt to life after a heart attack.
- Psychological support: Seek psychological support if you are anxious, depression or other emotional problems associated with heart attack.
- Regular examinations: Regularly visit a doctor to control the state of health and timely detection and treatment of complications.
XII. Final considerations
Vitamins and minerals can play a certain role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system after myocardial infarction. However, they are not a miraculous tool and do not replace traditional treatment and change in lifestyle. Reception of vitamin and mineral additives should be discussed with the attending physician who can evaluate your individual needs and risks and recommend the optimal treatment plan. It is important to adhere to a comprehensive approach to restoration after a heart attack, including drug therapy, a change in lifestyle, rehabilitation and psychological support. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity and rejection of bad habits, is the basis for a long and healthy life after myocardial infarction.