Cardiac autophagy declines with aging, leading to accumulation of damaged mitochondria, misfolded proteins, and lipid droplets in cardiomyocytes — driving cardiomyopathy, heart failure risk, and reduced cardiac efficiency. Spermidine supplementation restores cardiac autophagy in aged mice and reduces diastolic dysfunction, a key age-related cardiac change.

Can spermidine prevent heart failure?

Epidemiological data suggests an association between high dietary spermidine and reduced heart failure incidence, but no RCT has specifically evaluated heart failure prevention as a primary endpoint. The mechanistic evidence (cardiac autophagy restoration) is compelling.

Should people with existing heart disease take spermidine?

No contraindication exists for spermidine supplementation in cardiovascular disease. Inform your cardiologist. The cardiac autophagy benefits are particularly relevant for those with diastolic dysfunction or metabolic cardiomyopathy.