use of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine HCl "dietary supplements"

  I had a mild heart attack about 1 1/2 yr. ago and had angioplasty following. Currently, I take Toprol, Imdur, aspirin, Norvasc, Zocor.  I exercise 4 times per week for 20 min. each time.  I am male, age 55, 5'7" in height and weigh 185 lb.  I am interested in taking glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate to reduce joint pain, particularly noticeable in squatting positions.  My cardiologist has no information to answer the question.  What can you tell me ?

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Dear Ben, thank you for your question.  As far as I know, glucosamine and chondroitin have not been proven to affect arthritic joints and painful joints.   These dietary supplements should not affect your heart however.  I think you should ask a rheumatologist for a more qualified opinion.  However, most dietary supplements really have no effect, so be careful about spending too much money on these supplements.

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.