Trimetazidine improves left ventricular function and quality of life in elderly patients with coronary artery disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Elderly patients often develop ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy due to coronary artery disease.
• Trimetazidine is known to protect the myocardium by optimizing energy utilization during ischaemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of trimetazidine on left ventricular (LV) function in elderly individuals diagnosed with ischaemic heart disease and impaired LV function.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 47 elderly patients (mean age 78 years) receiving standard therapy plus either trimetazidine or a placebo.
• Echocardiographic evaluations were conducted at baseline and after a 6-month follow-up period.

Main Results:

• Trimetazidine significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), reduced LV diastolic and systolic diameters, and decreased wall motion score index compared to placebo.
• Patients treated with trimetazidine experienced significant improvements in diastolic function, angina symptoms, NYHA class, and overall quality of life.
• No significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate were observed between the trimetazidine and placebo groups.

Conclusions:

• Trimetazidine, when added to standard therapy, offers significant benefits for LV systolic and diastolic function in elderly patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy.
• The treatment positively impacts patients' quality of life and reduces clinical symptoms associated with the condition.