Participants taking melatonin were nearly 3.5 times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure when compared to those not taking melatonin (19.0% vs. 6.6%, respectively). Participants in the melatonin group were nearly twice as likely to die from any cause than those in the non-melatonin group (7.8% vs. 4.3%, respectively) over the 5-year period.
Many individuals suffer from insomnia and various sleep-related issues all over the world. Incomplete sleep leads to fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, and other health issues. There are several causes of poor sleep that may include stress, depression, medical conditions, and harmful sleeping habits. In order to tackle the problems of sleep disorder or insomnia, people often relied on melatonin.
Melatonin has been used in the form of a supplement that can regulate the sleep and wake cycle, allowing individuals to sleep faster and handle insomnia or poor sleep cycles. However, according to a new research presented by American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Session 2025 long-term use of melatonin may cause heart failure.
According to a report featured in American Heart Association, “Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed. If our study is confirmed, this could affect how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids,” revealed Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, M.D., lead author of the study and chief resident in internal medicine.
The study added, “among adults with insomnia, those whose electronic health records indicated long-term melatonin use (12 months or more) had about a 90% higher chance of incident heart failure over 5 years compared with matched non-users (4.6% vs. 2.7%, respectively). There was a similar result (82% higher) when researchers analyzed people who had at least 2 melatonin prescriptions filled at least 90 days apart.
Participants taking melatonin were nearly 3.5 times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure when compared to those not taking melatonin (19.0% vs. 6.6%, respectively). Participants in the melatonin group were nearly twice as likely to die from any cause than those in the non-melatonin group (7.8% vs. 4.3%, respectively) over the 5-year period, stated the study.
Melatonin supplements have been promoted and marketed as a safe sleep aid; however, data highlighting their long-term cardiovascular safety are lacking, that encouraged the researchers to inspect whether melatonin use changes the risk of heart failure, especially in chronic insomnia patients, added the American Heart Association study.
According to a report published in Northwestern Medicine, melatonin can impact the blood pressure or rhythm of the heart as these effects are yet to examined properly. The dosage and duration of melatonin will also impact the heart health. If you have been taking melatonin for a long time it could have different impact than short term use. Long term use will imply taking melatonin for more than 12 months period.
When taking melatonin, some individuals might be at higher risk that may include individuals with existing heart failure diagnosis, people above 65 years, individuals suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
It is significant to take adequate amount of green leafy vegetables for a sound and healthy heart. These may include spinach, kale, lettuce, collard greens, microgreens, etc. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These vegetables contain crucial vitamin K that can save your arteries and boost effective blood clotting. They are also rich in dietary nitrates that may bring down blood pressure, decline arterial stiffness, and enhance cell functioning lining blood vessels. An American Heart Association (AHA) research links leafy green vegetable consumption to increased cardiovascular health benefits and a reduced risk of heart disease than other fruits and vegetables.
Consumption of berries such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries can boost your heart health like never before. Berries are a powerful source of antioxidants such as anthocyanins that can offer strong protection against oxidative stress and inflammation that may lead to surge in the risk of heart diseases. Increased intake of anthocyanin may decrease coronary artery disease risk that may include hypertension and heart attack.
“We have to eat high fiber foods with low sugar index in them so that the sugar spikes do not occur. Wild, natural berries are high in antioxidants and are very healthy for the heart. You have to try and avoid saturated fat and seed oils. Natural oils are okay to a certain extent. Fish and oils from the walnuts contain a few essential fatty acids which are good for the heart,” says Dr. Srinivas Dinesh Kudva, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.
Avocados are rich source of monosaturated fats that may lead to declined cholesterol levels and bring down risk of heart diseases. Avocados may help in improving LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. As the fruits is an excellent source of potassium, it can help in reducing blood pressure.
You should include fatty fish such as sardines, salmon to your diet as they contain Omega-3 fatty acid that offers benefits to your heart health. If you are unable to eat adequate amount of seafood, you may take fish oil for receiving your daily dose of Omega-3 fatty acids.
They have emerged a key source of fibre and other micronutrients such as copper and manganese. The dry fruit may reduce LDL (bad) and total cholesterol.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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