The concept of taking vitamins to prevent heart disease is a great one – the problem is that we don't have any proof that they really do. Our only evidence is based on nutritional surveys that suggest that people who eat foods richer in vitamins E, vitamin C and other vitamins are less likely to have heart disease.

However, these same people could be getting more exercise and watching their health in many other ways, so these studies don't prove that it's the vitamins that make the difference. Quite a few studies are going on right now to try to investigate this question. Until we have more information, it's hard to recommend any vitamins on a routine basis. However, your doctor may have specific reasons for recommending certain vitamin supplements.