Controlled study on L-carnitine therapeutic efficacy in post-infarction.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Myocardial infarction (MI) survivors face risks of recurrent events and reduced quality of life.
• Exploring adjunct therapies to standard pharmacological treatment is crucial for improving outcomes in post-MI patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of L-carnitine as an adjunct therapy in patients with recent myocardial infarction.
• To assess the impact of L-carnitine on clinical outcomes, cardiac function, and mortality in post-MI patients.

Main Methods:

• A controlled study involving 160 patients (39-86 years) diagnosed with recent myocardial infarction.
• Randomized administration of oral L-carnitine (4 g/day for 12 months) to 81 patients, alongside standard treatment.
• Comparison of clinical parameters, lipid profiles, and mortality rates between the L-carnitine group and the control group.

Main Results:

• L-carnitine group showed significant improvements in heart rate (p < 0.005) and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.005).
• Reduced frequency of anginal attacks (p < 0.005) and improved lipid profiles (p < 0.005) were observed in the L-carnitine group.
• Mortality was significantly lower in the L-carnitine group (1.2%) compared to the control group (12.5%, p < 0.005), with fewer deaths from reinfarction and sudden death.

Conclusions:

• L-carnitine is an effective treatment for post-infarction ischemic cardiomyopathy.
• Supplementation with L-carnitine improves clinical evolution, quality of life, and life expectancy in post-MI patients.
• L-carnitine represents a valuable therapeutic option for managing long-term outcomes after myocardial infarction.