Prevalence of dietary supplement use in patients with proven or suspected cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality globally.
• Dietary supplement use is prevalent across various populations.
• The interaction between dietary supplements and cardiovascular medications is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and describe the prevalence of dietary supplement use among patients with cardiovascular risk factors or established cardiovascular disease.
• To identify the types of supplements commonly used and the reasons for their use.
• To assess the extent of concurrent use of supplements with prescription medications and physician awareness.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of multiple bibliographic databases (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, Meditext, H&S, IPA) was performed.
• Studies investigating supplement use in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors or disease were included.
• Twenty studies meeting the review criteria were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Dietary supplements were used by a median of 36% of cardiac patients.
• Vitamin/mineral supplements were used by 36%, and herbal supplements by 12%.
• A significant proportion of patients (16-64%) used supplements with prescription drugs, often without physician awareness (39-95%).

Conclusions:

• Dietary supplement consumption is common in patients with cardiovascular disease.
• Concurrent use of supplements with prescription medications is frequent, highlighting potential safety concerns.
• Physicians should be more proactive in inquiring about supplement use to improve patient management and safety.