These supplements can cause heart problems

US cardiologists are warning that herbal supplements can cause heart problems, particularly in individuals under 30. Dr. Danielle Belardo, a cardiologist in California, reported that her patients under 20 frequently experienced irregular heart rhythms linked to the use of herbal supplements.

Specifically, patients taking bitter orange and ephedra have been identified as potential contributors to these arrhythmias based on case studies and clinical trials. The difficulty in determining the exact cause is compounded by the fact that many individuals take multiple supplements concurrently, and the market for these products is growing rapidly. “Because the composition, purity, and effectiveness of these herbal remedies are so poorly regulated, we don’t have a comprehensive literature that tells us exactly what causes what,” stated Dr.

Belardo. Other cardiologists and emergency room doctors have echoed these concerns, noting a similar pattern of illness among young patients taking supplements. Dr.

Martha Gulati, a cardiologist and president of the American Preventive Cardiology Association, expressed concern about the widespread belief that “natural” remedies are inherently safer than pharmaceuticals. Supplements like bitter orange (citrus aurantium) have been linked to irregular heartbeats. Efedrine and efedrine alkaloids, banned in the US in 2004 due to their potential to cause arrhythmia, heart attack, stroke, and death, are still occasionally found in supplements.

A 2021 case study involving a 56-year-old man with arrhythmia revealed the use of supplements containing efedrine alkaloids. Research indicates that high doses of fish oil – exceeding one gram – may increase the risk of certain heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation. These findings highlight the need for further research into the potential risks associated with supplements and their impact on cardiovascular health.

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