Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for men and women across the world. We’ve compiled a list of the top proven heart health supplements, along with recent scientific findings that back them, to help you keep your heart ticking long enough to take advantage of emerging technologies that will dramatically extend your lifespan.

L-Arginine

Arginine (pronounced “arg-in-een”) is an amino acid that changes into Nitric Oxide (NO); a natural, powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and circulate better. Beneficial effects of arginine supplementation include better blood flow to the heart and brain, lower blood pressure and better erections in men..

Intense exercises like sprinting, demand additional energy from the body. This need for additional energy produces additional lactates, which can increase muscle pain. Arginine supplementation enhances exercise endurance while it reduces the heart rate and circulating lactates.

L-Arginine is found in protein-rich foods such as meat and fish. The average Western daily diet contains 5 grams of l-Arginine, much of which comes from red meat consumption. Ray & Terry generally recommend 3-6 grams of arginine per day. To watch a video of Terry describing the benefits of L-arginine, click here.

Note: Ray Kurzweil + Terry Grossman recommend that people who have recently suffered a myocardial infarction (heart attack) not take arginine supplementation.

Astaxanthin. The body’s super antioxidant.

Astaxanthin (pronounced “as-ta-zan-thin”) is very unique antioxidant that has been proven to cross the blood-brain and blood-retina barrier. Astaxanthin may have as much as 500 times the antioxidant power of vitamin E, and over 6,000 that of vitamin C. The purest form of this powerful antioxidant is derived from a very small algae.

Strong research shows that astaxanthin can support heart health, as well as:

• improved cognitive functioning,
• reduced signs of aging,
• eased inflammation,
• supports healthy vision,
• improved athletic performance, and
• boosts male fertility.

In 2011, a double-blind placebo-controlled study examining 27 overweight participants found astaxanthin to lower LDL cholesterol. Additionally, in 2010, astaxanthin was shown to reduce triglyceride levels in a randomized, double-blind study of 61 non-obese participants. The study showed an increase in  HDL; the "good" kind of cholesterol.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is an antioxidant found naturally in the body that facilitates important functions, like blood pressure regulation and electron transportation. Specifically, CoQ10 helps the mitochondria convert compounds in food into energy.

Our body produces less CoQ10 as we age, so be sure to add CoQ10-rich foods, like meat, fish and whole grains into your diet. If you’re looking for a supplement to help reach health CoQ10 levels, consider Ubiquinol; an activated form of Q10 that’s naturally produced in the body and more easily absorbed.

A 2013 meta-analysis found an association between supplementing with CoQ10 and improved heart function. A 2007 study of patients with heart failure also supports the role of CoQ10 in heart health.

Omega-3 fatty acids

You’ve likely heard about Omega 3s fatty acids before. That’s because they’re critical to good health, and perhaps the most important nutrient in maintaining cardiovascular health.

There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).  

ALA is technically classified as an essential fatty acid, as it’s needed, but isn’t naturally produced by our bodies. These “good” fats help prevent buildup of plaque, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and help maintain a steady heart..