What is cardiac function, and how is it assessed?
Cardiac function refers to the set of mechanisms by which the heart ensures sufficient blood flow to meet the body’s metabolic needs at all times—both at rest and during exercise. It reflects the health of the heart muscle, valves, conduction tissue, and blood pressure. Supplements to support normal cardiac function are available in the store’s cardiovascular health line.
- Key indicators of cardiac function: left ventricular ejection fraction (normal LVEF ≥ 55%—measured by echocardiography)—cardiac output (volume of blood ejected per minute = stroke volume × heart rate — normal 4 to 8 L/min at rest) — heart rate (60 to 100 bpm at rest) — blood pressure (normal < 120/80 mmHg) — exercise tolerance (no dyspnea, pain, or syncope during habitual exertion)
- Medical evaluation methods: ECG (12-lead — rhythm, conduction, ischemia) — echocardiography (structure and function of the chambers, valves, LVEF) — exercise or radionuclide stress test — biomarkers (BNP and NT-proBNP — markers of myocardial stress) — 24–48-hour Holter ECG for intermittent arrhythmias
- Signs of impaired cardiac function requiring medical consultation: unusual exertional dyspnea — recurrent palpitations — syncope or lightheadedness on exertion — lower extremity edema — fatigue disproportionate to exertion — Call 15 in case of acute chest pain or severe dyspnea at rest
What lifestyle factors help maintain heart function?
- Physical activity: 150 min/week of moderate-intensity activity (WHO) — improves LVEF, reduces resting heart rate, increases stroke volume and contractile reserve — endurance training is most beneficial for overall cardiac function — benefit independent of other risk factors
- Sleep: < 6 hours per night impairs heart rate variability (HRV — a marker of the health of the cardiac autonomic nervous system) — raises nocturnal blood pressure — promotes systemic inflammation — 7 to 9 hours of sleep recommended — treat sleep apnea if diagnosed (a risk factor for hypertension and arrhythmia)
- Stress management: Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (cortisol, adrenaline) — chronically increases blood pressure and heart rate — cardiac coherence (5 cycles/min) improves HRV — meditation, yoga, and appropriate physical activities
- Diet: Mediterranean diet — reduced salt intake (< 5 g/day, WHO) — limited alcohol consumption (max 2 drinks/day) — smoking cessation (Tobacco Info Service: 3989) — weight control
Which supplements support normal heart function?
These supplements support normal heart function—they do not treat diagnosed heart diseases and are not a substitute for prescribed medications. Medical advice is essential for patients undergoing treatment (possible interactions).
- Omega-3 EPA-DHA: EFSA-validated claim “contributes to normal heart function” at 250 mg EPA+DHA/day — reduces cardiac excitability and triglycerides — 2 to 3 g/day
- Coenzyme Q10: cofactor in ATP production in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes — EFSA claim regarding normal energy production — levels reduced by statins and aging — 100 to 200 mg/day (ubiquinol form)
- Magnesium: cofactor for cardiac excitability and myocardial contractility — EFSA claim regarding the normal functioning of the heart and nervous system — common deficiency under stress — 300 to 400 mg/day bisglycinate
- Hawthorn: Cardiovascular tonic — improves coronary perfusion and contractility — well-established EMA monograph — Contraindicated with antiarrhythmics and digoxin — see heart conditions
