1. Vitamin C

Supports blood vessel structure and antioxidant defenses

Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, a protein that helps maintain the structure of blood vessel walls. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping protect cells from oxidative damage.

• Food sources: Oranges, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli and tomatoes.

• Potential benefit: Getting enough vitamin C supports normal blood vessel function, especially if your diet is deficient.

• What research says: Vitamin C supplements have not been shown reliably to prevent heart attacks or reverse arterial plaque. Getting vitamin C from food is preferable for most people.

  

  Health Professional Fact Sheet

  +1

2. Vitamin D

Important for bone health and normal body functions

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports muscle, immune and other physiological functions. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with cardiovascular problems in observational studies.

• Food sources: Fatty fish, egg yolks and vitamin-D-fortified milk or plant beverages.

• Potential benefit: Correcting a deficiency is important for general health.

• What research says: Clinical trials have not shown that taking vitamin D supplements reliably prevents heart attacks, strokes or atherosclerosis. Do not take high doses in an attempt to clear arteries.

  

  Health Professional Fact Sheet

3. Vitamin E

An antioxidant that protects cell membranes

Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Because oxidative processes are involved in atherosclerosis, researchers have investigated whether vitamin E supplements can protect the heart.

• Food sources: Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, vegetable oils and spinach.

• Potential benefit: Adequate dietary vitamin E supports normal cell function.

• What research says: Vitamin E supplements have not consistently reduced cardiovascular events. High doses can increase bleeding risk, particularly when combined with anticoagulants or other medicines that affect clotting.

  

  NCBI Bookshelf

  +1

4. Vitamin B9 (folate)

Helps form red blood cells and process homocysteine

Folate is necessary for DNA production and normal red blood cell formation. Along with vitamins B6 and B12, it helps the body process homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood.

• Food sources: Leafy greens, lentils, beans, asparagus, avocado and fortified grains.

• Potential benefit: Correcting folate deficiency supports normal blood formation and metabolism.

• What research says: Lowering homocysteine with B vitamins does not automatically translate into fewer heart attacks or less plaque. The benefit depends on the individual and the clinical circumstances.

• Caution: High-dose folic acid can mask the blood abnormalities of vitamin B12 deficiency while nerve damage continues.

  

  NCBI Bookshelf

  +1

5. Vitamin B12

Supports nerves, red blood cells and normal metabolism

Vitamin B12 works with folate in important metabolic processes and helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.

• Food sources: Fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, dairy products and fortified foods.

• Potential benefit: Treating B12 deficiency can prevent or address anemia and neurological complications.

• What research says: Although B12 helps regulate homocysteine, taking extra B12 has not been established as a way to remove arterial plaque.

• Who may need special attention: Vegans, older adults, and people with certain digestive conditions or who take medicines that interfere with B12 absorption may be at higher risk of deficiency.

  

  NCBI Bookshelf

  +1

6. Vitamin B6

Supports protein metabolism and normal nervous system function

Vitamin B6 is involved in numerous enzyme reactions, including those needed for protein metabolism and the formation of neurotransmitters. It also contributes to homocysteine metabolism.

• Food sources: Chickpeas, potatoes, bananas, poultry, fish and fortified cereals.

• Potential benefit: Adequate B6 intake supports normal metabolism and blood cell function.

• What research says: There is no convincing evidence that taking extra B6 clears clogged arteries or independently prevents heart attacks.

• Caution: Excessive supplemental B6 taken over time can cause nerve damage, including numbness and tingling.

  

  NCBI Bookshelf

  +1

1. Eat a heart-healthy diet

Choose vegetables, fruits, beans, oats, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and fish. Replace butter, fatty meats and other sources of saturated fat with unsaturated fats. Soluble fiber from oats, beans and barley can help lower LDL cholesterol.

2. Exercise regularly

If your clinician says it is safe, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Walking is a good starting point for many people. If you have chest pain or known severe artery narrowing, get medical advice before starting strenuous exercise.

3. Control LDL cholesterol

Statins and, when appropriate, other cholesterol-lowering medicines can lower LDL and help stabilize plaque. In selected people, intensive risk-factor treatment can even lead to some plaque regression over time.

NHLBI, NIH

+1

4. Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar

High blood pressure and diabetes can accelerate artery damage. Regular checkups and appropriate treatment help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.