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L-carnitine moderately improves the exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|April 20, 2001
Summary
Oral L-carnitine is safe for patients with chronic stable angina. It moderately improves exercise duration and recovery time for ST changes on ECG tests.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic stable angina affects numerous patients worldwide.
- Effective management strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- L-carnitine is an endogenous substance involved in energy metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral L-carnitine in patients with chronic stable angina.
- To assess the impact of L-carnitine on exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) testing parameters.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 47 patients with chronic stable angina.
- Patients received either 2 g/day of oral L-carnitine or a placebo for 3 months.
- Computerized stress tests were performed at baseline and study completion to assess exercise ECG parameters.
Main Results:
- L-carnitine supplementation led to a statistically significant improvement in exercise duration (p=0.006).
- The time required for ST changes to return to baseline after exercise was significantly reduced in the L-carnitine group (p=0.019).
- No significant adverse effects or coronary events were observed in either the L-carnitine or placebo group.
Conclusions:
- Oral L-carnitine is a safe therapeutic option for patients suffering from chronic stable angina.
- L-carnitine demonstrates a moderate beneficial effect on exercise capacity and myocardial ischemic response in this patient population.
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