Protocol · Cardiovascular
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Protocol
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Coenzyme Q10 are the core of this stack, with 2 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
4 supplements · 3 graded · 1 confirmed study
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA/DHA daily | Reduces triglycerides, inflammation, platelet aggregation, and arrhythmia risk in established CAD
| Grade C for Atrial Fibrillation Incidence1 study · 401 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Omega-3 Fatty Acids (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 100–300 mg daily | Supports mitochondrial ATP production in cardiac muscle and provides antioxidant protection
| Grade C for Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile2 studies · 103 people | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily | Supports endothelial function, reduces blood pressure, and helps maintain normal heart rhythm
| Grade C for C-Reactive Protein (CRP)3 studies · 64 people | ||
| Vitamin K2 | Amount listed: 100–200 mcg MK-7 daily | Activates matrix Gla protein, directing calcium away from arteries and reducing vascular calcification | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade C
- Grade C
- Grade C
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops when plaque builds up in the arteries supplying the heart, reducing blood flow and increasing heart attack risk. While medications and lifestyle changes are the foundation of treatment, certain supplements can provide additional cardiovascular protection.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oil) have multiple heart benefits: they lower triglycerides, reduce inflammation, decrease platelet stickiness, and stabilize heart rhythm. The landmark REDUCE-IT trial showed high-dose EPA (4g/day) reduced cardiovascular events by 25% in high-risk patients. This level of evidence has made prescription omega-3s a standard treatment.
- Coenzyme Q10 is essential for energy production in the heart—the most energy-demanding organ. Statin medications (commonly prescribed for CAD) deplete CoQ10, and supplementation may reduce statin side effects. The Q-SYMBIO trial showed CoQ10 reduced cardiovascular mortality in heart failure patients.
- Magnesium helps blood vessels relax, supports healthy blood pressure, and maintains normal heart rhythm. Deficiency is common and associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
- Vitamin K2 (specifically MK-7) activates proteins that keep calcium in bones and out of arteries. Studies show it can slow the progression of coronary artery calcification.
Expected timeline: Omega-3s lower triglycerides within 2-4 weeks; other benefits develop over months to years. CoQ10 effects may take 4-12 weeks. Magnesium benefits blood pressure within 1-2 months.
Important: These supplements complement, not replace, medications prescribed by your cardiologist.