Is fish oil effective for enhancing heart health? What about the role of aspirin or statins?

A recent online survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic revealed that numerous Florida residents are uncertain about the factors that can either harm or improve their heart health. Among the 251 adults surveyed, 72% recognized that stress negatively impacts heart health. However, approximately 40% failed to acknowledge that alcohol intake and inadequate sleep also contribute to heart issues.

Vitamins: Many Floridians turn to vitamins and supplements as a strategy to lower their risk of heart disease. The survey found that around 48% of participants reported taking supplements to promote cardiovascular health, with vitamin D, multivitamins, and fish oil being the most popular choices.

Dr. Mauricio Cohen, an interventional cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, emphasizes that individuals should be cautious when using supplements for heart health.

“Patients often mistakenly believe that supplements have fewer side effects and are a superior alternative to medications,” Dr. Cohen stated. “Numerous clinical trials investigating supplements and vitamins have not demonstrated significant benefits.”

He also highlights that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements, resulting in potential inconsistencies in ingredient quality and quantity.

For patients with elevated triglyceride levels, Cohen recommends prescription fish oil, which contains higher omega-3 fatty acid concentrations compared to over-the-counter alternatives.

Aspirin: Regular aspirin use may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, yet it is not suitable for everyone, according to medical professionals.

“Aspirin interacts with platelets, reducing the likelihood of clots that trigger heart attacks,” explained Cohen. “In contemporary cardiovascular medicine, aspirin is primarily recommended for individuals who have experienced a heart attack or stroke, as it helps prevent future incidents and can extend life.”

Cohen advises against daily aspirin usage for individuals without a history of heart issues, stating, “There is no evidence that it prolongs life or reduces heart attack occurrences, and it carries a slight risk of increased bleeding.”

In terms of heart health, cardiologists often prescribe medications for individuals identified as high-risk for cardiovascular disease or strokes.

Statins and Medications: According to the Cleveland Clinic survey, over 97% of Florida participants indicated they would consider taking a statin or other prescribed heart medication if advised by a healthcare provider, although many believe medication should be a last resort.

Some individuals experience side effects from statins, predominantly muscle discomfort. A newer class of medications, known as PCSK9 inhibitors, is available as an alternative.

“These medications are highly effective and can be used alongside statins for very high-risk patients or as a substitute for those experiencing side effects,” Cohen mentioned. “They have been rigorously tested and show positive outcomes.”

The survey also indicated that three out of five individuals taking heart medications admit to occasionally skipping doses or taking less than prescribed, often due to forgetfulness or feeling overwhelmed by the number of pills.

“Like any critical treatment, adherence to heart medications is essential for symptom management, complication prevention, and long-term health,” said Dr. Jose Navia, vice chief at the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital. “When patients miss doses, these medications fail to effectively prevent the progression of cardiovascular disease, significantly endangering overall health.”

Family history significantly influences heart disease risk, with around 88% of Floridians aware if their family has a history of the condition. However, many lack knowledge about genetic factors. One crucial genetic marker for heart disease risk is lipoprotein(a), yet only 22% of those surveyed reported having their levels checked.

“Typically, doctors don’t test for this risk factor since it is not modifiable,” Navia explains. “However, there are new initiatives in the scientific community aimed at developing medications to lower lipoprotein(a), so we should stay informed.”

According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, surpassing even cancer and traffic accidents.

UF Researchers Explore Possible Depression Treatments

A recent study from UF Health has revealed how brain function can cause men and women to react differently to acute stress, potentially paving the way for innovative depression treatments.

“Generally, men tend to exhibit more outward, aggressive reactions to stress, while women are more likely to internalize their responses. This difference is thought to contribute to the higher incidence of anxiety and depression among women,” stated Marco Bortolato, a professor of pharmacodynamics at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and lead author of the study published January 22 in *Science Advances*.

The UF study demonstrated that acute stress elevates levels of specific enzymes in men’s brains but not in women’s. This enzyme is necessary for producing a neurosteroid called allopregnanolone (AP), which supports the body’s initial stress response, helping individuals quickly adapt to stressors.

Bortolato believes these insights could lead to transformative approaches in treating depression.

“Understanding why women are more prone to depression than men could result in more targeted treatment strategies,” he noted. “Ultimately, these discoveries may foster the development of medications that specifically regulate stress responses.”

He sees the possibility of translating these findings into new treatments utilizing steroid-based compounds to address forms of depression resistant to current therapies.

“Depression is the leading cause of disability globally, largely driven by increasing chronic stress,” Bortolato explained. “Traditional antidepressant medications often require two to four weeks to manifest initial effects, while AP-based therapies might yield much quicker results. Enhancing our capacity to produce AP could revolutionize our approach to depression and other stress-related conditions.”

Heart Transplant Recipients Gather with Doctors

In recognition of Heart Health Month, approximately 100 heart transplant recipients will come together with their medical teams on Monday at the Memorial Regional Hospital Conference Center. Among the participants will be Maria Cattani, host of an environmentally-focused podcast; Portia Brown, who has undergone both heart and kidney transplants; Marina Alix, the first heart transplant recipient in Broward County; and Karenine Chery, who is back in her nursing career at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Since its inception a decade ago, the hospital has performed 148 adult heart transplants and 87 pediatric transplants. The heart transplant program has expanded significantly over the past year, achieving 43 adult transplants in 2024.

STD Rates Surge in Florida Amid Declining Condom Use

Florida is experiencing a crisis in sexually transmitted diseases, with rates skyrocketing by 42% over the last decade to reach the highest levels since 1990. In 2023, Florida reported 788 STD cases per 100,000 residents, an increase from 762 cases per 100,000 in 2022.

This uptick can be attributed to various factors, including a decrease in condom usage, as noted by The Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sexual health research.

According to Guttmacher, condom usage among adolescent males fell from 78% between 2011 and 2015 to 72% from 2015 to 2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that STD rates remain at critical levels nationally.

Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida is encouraging Floridians to take advantage of convenient routine sexually transmitted infection testing. Rapid tests offer results in just about 10 minutes, and they are available for free or at a low cost at Planned Parenthood clinics, urgent care centers, health facilities, and select pharmacies.

For health tips or inquiries, contact South Florida Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.