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Published on: May 15, 2011
D-ribose aids advanced ischemic heart failure patients
International Journal of Cardiology
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Ribose supplementation improved exercise capacity in advanced heart failure patients. This study found that d-ribose enhanced ventilation at the anaerobic threshold, improving overall physical function in patients with congestive heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Advanced heart failure is characterized by exercise intolerance, potentially linked to reduced cellular energy levels in the myocardium.
- Current pharmaceutical treatments do not directly address cellular energy deficits in heart failure.
- Energy-enhancing substrates have shown variable efficacy, but ribose has demonstrated potential in restoring myocardial energy and improving cardiac function post-ischemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of d-ribose on ventilation at the anaerobic threshold in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).
- To assess if ribose supplementation can improve exercise performance and ventilatory efficiency in advanced heart failure.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 16 patients with NYHA class III-IV heart failure.
- Patients received d-ribose (5 gms, three times daily) for 8 weeks.
- Evaluated parameters included VO(2), tidal volume/VCO(2), and heart rate/tidal volume at the anaerobic threshold.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in ventilatory parameters at the anaerobic threshold for all patients.
- A notable 44% improvement in Weber class was recorded.
- Ribose supplementation positively impacted the ventilatory exercise status in patients with advanced heart failure.
Conclusions:
- D-ribose supplementation can enhance ventilatory function and exercise capacity in patients suffering from advanced heart failure.
- Ribose represents a potential therapeutic strategy to address cellular energy deficits and improve exercise intolerance in CHF.
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