When people think about heart health, they often picture cholesterol numbers or blood pressure readings. But “heart vitality” is just as much about how well your cardiovascular system delivers oxygen and nutrients to working tissues, how efficiently your heart produces energy, and how resilient your blood vessels are under everyday demands such as stress, activity, sleep disruption and ageing.
At Dulwich Health, we have supported customers with evidence-aware natural health guidance since 1986, and we are trusted by over 30,000 customers. That long view matters, because cardiovascular support is rarely about a single quick fix. It is about consistent foundations, with targeted nutrients used responsibly to complement a healthy lifestyle rather than replace medical care.
This article explains how circulation works, why mitochondrial energy matters for the heart, and what the research says about two widely discussed nutrients for cardiovascular wellbeing: CoQ10 and omega-3 fatty acids. We also include practical guidance on who may benefit, how to choose quality supplements, and when to seek professional advice.
If you are exploring cardiovascular support options, you can browse our Heart & Cardiovascular collection or read our practical guidance page on heart health suggestions.
Table of contents
Jump to a section to learn about circulation, CoQ10 and omega-3 support.
What heart vitality really means
“Heart vitality” is a useful phrase because it captures more than a single lab result. In practical terms, it can include:
- Efficient circulation so oxygen and nutrients reach the brain, muscles and organs with ease
- Healthy blood vessel function (flexibility, tone, and the ability to respond to activity and stress)
- Strong cellular energy production in heart muscle, which works continuously without rest
- Balanced inflammation and oxidative stress, which can increase with age, poor sleep, smoking, or ultra-processed diets
Supplements such as CoQ10 and omega-3s are often discussed because they sit within these pathways. However, they are best viewed as supportive tools that complement core cardiovascular habits: a nutrient-rich diet, regular movement, adequate sleep, and appropriate medical care where needed.
Circulation and blood vessel function
Circulation is the delivery system of the body. Your heart pumps blood through arteries, into capillaries, and back through veins. That sounds simple, but “good circulation” depends on several moving parts working together:
- Blood vessel tone (the ability of vessels to widen and narrow appropriately)
- Blood flow properties (including triglyceride levels and the balance of fats in the bloodstream)
- Endothelial function (the inner lining of blood vessels, which helps regulate blood flow)
- Healthy lifestyle inputs (movement, hydration, fibre intake, and mineral balance)
When these foundations are supported, people often notice practical improvements such as better exercise tolerance, fewer “cold hands and feet” sensations, and more stable energy through the day. When they are not, symptoms can be vague and overlap with stress, sleep issues, or poor diet. That is why it is important to be balanced and avoid assuming a single nutrient is the answer to every cardiovascular concern.
Important: If you have chest pain, breathlessness at rest, new swelling in the legs, fainting, or sudden neurological symptoms, seek urgent medical help. Supplements are not appropriate for emergency situations.
CoQ10 and mitochondrial energy
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound found in almost every cell of the body. It plays a central role in mitochondrial energy production. Mitochondria are often described as the “energy engines” of cells, and this matters because the heart is one of the most energy-demanding organs we have. It beats over 100,000 times per day, and its cells rely heavily on consistent energy generation.
Why CoQ10 matters for heart energy
CoQ10 supports energy production through its role in the electron transport chain, the process cells use to create ATP (cellular energy). It also functions as an antioxidant, helping protect cells from oxidative stress. In the context of cardiovascular wellbeing, this dual role is why CoQ10 is commonly discussed in relation to heart vitality and resilience.
What the research says (in plain English)
Clinical research on CoQ10 spans different contexts, including heart failure. A Cochrane-style systematic review summarised evidence from randomised trials and concluded that CoQ10 may reduce all-cause mortality and hospitalisations due to heart failure, although studies vary in size and follow-up length and are not a substitute for guideline-based medical therapy. This is encouraging, but it also highlights why expectations should remain realistic and why supplements should be viewed as complementary support.
Read the review on CoQ10 for heart failure here.
Outside of heart failure, many people use CoQ10 as part of general cardiovascular maintenance, particularly when energy, age-related decline, or oxidative stress are key concerns. If you are taking prescribed cardiovascular medication, always ask a pharmacist or clinician before adding CoQ10, as it may not be appropriate in every situation.
If you are looking for a high-strength CoQ10 option, see Bio-Quinone Q10 Phyto.
Omega-3s and heart support
Omega-3 fats are a family of essential fatty acids. The two most discussed for cardiovascular support are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), commonly found in oily fish and high-quality fish oil supplements. These fats are structurally important for cell membranes and are involved in pathways that influence inflammation, triglyceride metabolism and blood vessel function.
Food first: oily fish and heart health
From a public health perspective, the most consistent guidance is to prioritise dietary omega-3 intake through oily fish. The NHS notes that oily fish contains long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and that these can help to prevent heart disease. Food-first strategies also tend to bring additional nutrients (such as protein, iodine, selenium and vitamin D, depending on food choices) that work together in the wider diet.
What the research says about omega-3 supplements
Supplement research is more nuanced than social media headlines suggest. A major Cochrane review (one of the most comprehensive assessments to date) found that increasing long-chain omega-3 intake may slightly reduce coronary heart disease mortality and events, and it consistently reduces serum triglycerides, with the strength of evidence varying by outcome. This is useful context because it shows where omega-3s are most consistently relevant: supporting healthy triglyceride levels and contributing to overall cardiovascular wellbeing when used appropriately.
Because evidence varies by population and dose, omega-3 supplements are best considered in context: diet quality, baseline omega-3 intake, triglyceride levels, and overall cardiovascular risk. If you have a heart condition, are taking anticoagulants, or are preparing for surgery, you should seek professional advice before using high-dose fish oils. If you want to browse options, see our Omega & Fish Oils range.
Circulation support blends
Some people prefer formulas that combine multiple cardiovascular-supportive ingredients in one place, for example combining omega fats with other botanicals and nutrients used traditionally in circulation support. These blends can suit people who want a “one product” approach, as long as they keep expectations realistic and continue to prioritise lifestyle foundations.
One example is AlliTech GoodHeart, which combines stabilised allicin with additional supportive ingredients for heart and circulation-focused routines.
How to build a heart-supportive routine
If you want “heart vitality” to translate into real-world wellbeing, supplements should sit on top of the basics. These steps are simple, but they are the foundations most people underestimate.
1) Move daily, and include some intensity
Circulation responds to movement. Even brisk walking supports blood flow and endothelial function over time. If appropriate for your health and fitness, a small amount of higher-intensity work (such as intervals, hills, or faster paced walking) can be helpful, and resistance training supports metabolic health.
2) Build a heart-supportive plate
A cardiovascular-friendly diet pattern generally emphasises vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fibre-rich foods, and oily fish. It also reduces ultra-processed foods and excess saturated fat. If you do not eat fish, consider discussing omega-3 options with a professional, especially if your diet is otherwise low in EPA/DHA sources.
3) Prioritise sleep and recovery
Chronic stress and poor sleep can affect appetite regulation, inflammation, and blood pressure patterns. If you are under-sleeping, start with consistent bedtime routines, morning daylight exposure, and reduced late-night screen time. Supplements do not compensate for persistent sleep debt.
4) Address the “silent” drivers
Hydration, mineral intake (especially magnesium and potassium from food), alcohol patterns and smoking status can all influence cardiovascular resilience. If you do one thing beyond supplements, make it reducing or quitting smoking. It remains one of the most meaningful changes a person can make for long-term heart health.
How to choose and use supplements responsibly
Supplements can be a helpful part of a heart-supportive routine, but they should be used with clear boundaries. Here are practical rules we use when advising customers at Dulwich Health.
Choose quality and transparency
- Look for clear dosing (mg of CoQ10, and EPA/DHA amounts for omega-3)
- Prefer reputable sourcing and testing standards where possible
- Be cautious with “mega dose” marketing that promises rapid results
Keep expectations realistic
CoQ10 and omega-3s can support healthy function, but they are not “treatments” for cardiovascular disease. If you have a diagnosed condition, supplements should only ever complement your clinician’s plan.
Know when to seek advice
Speak to a GP or pharmacist before using cardiovascular supplements if you:
- Take anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication
- Have a diagnosed heart condition (including arrhythmias)
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have upcoming surgery
- Have unexplained symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, or sudden swelling
If you want a simple starting point for lifestyle-first cardiovascular support, explore our Heart Health suggestions page.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers on circulation, CoQ10 and omega-3 support, with a responsible, evidence-aware approach.
What is the difference between circulation support and “heart treatment”?
Circulation support refers to lifestyle and nutritional strategies that help maintain healthy cardiovascular function. It is not the same as treating cardiovascular disease. If you have a diagnosed condition, supplements should only ever complement medical care, not replace it.
Who might consider CoQ10?
People often consider CoQ10 as part of a general heart vitality routine, especially when they are focused on cellular energy support. Research is also explored in heart failure contexts, but this does not mean CoQ10 replaces guideline-based therapies. Always consult a clinician if you have a heart condition or take prescriptions.
Do omega-3 supplements help everyone?
Not necessarily. Evidence varies by population and baseline omega-3 intake. Omega-3 supplements consistently lower triglycerides, and may offer small benefits for certain cardiovascular outcomes, but dietary oily fish remains the most broadly recommended “food-first” approach for most people.
How long do supplements take to make a difference?
Most nutritional strategies are gradual. If you are using supplements alongside lifestyle changes, a sensible review window is often 6–12 weeks. Keep notes on energy, exercise tolerance, sleep and overall wellbeing. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, seek professional advice.
Are there any safety concerns?
If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication, have a diagnosed heart condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have upcoming surgery, speak to a pharmacist or clinician before using omega-3 or CoQ10 supplements. Food supplements should not replace a varied diet and healthy lifestyle.
Further reading and scientific references
These external resources support the evidence-aware explanations provided in this article.
Important note: This article is for educational purposes and does not provide medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns about heart health, seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Supplements should only be used as part of a healthy lifestyle.
