Targeting Ketone Body Metabolism Improves Cardiac Function and Hemodynamics in Patients With Heart Failure: A...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Metabolic Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The impact of elevated ketone bodies on cardiac function and hemodynamics in heart failure (HF) patients is not well understood.
• Existing research has not quantitatively assessed the effects of ketone interventions in HF populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively evaluate the effects of ketone intervention on cardiac function and hemodynamics in patients with heart failure through a meta-analysis.
• To explore the potential benefits of ketone therapy in both HF and non-HF populations.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up to April 13, 2024.
• Studies involving ketone ester and β-hydroxybutyrate interventions in humans were included.
• Seven human studies were quantitatively analyzed to assess the impact of ketone therapy.

Main Results:

• Ketone therapy significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac output, and stroke volume in HF patients.
• Systemic vascular resistance was significantly reduced by ketone therapy, while mean arterial pressure remained unaffected.
• Subgroup analysis indicated that these positive effects on cardiac function and hemodynamics were also observed in individuals without HF.

Conclusions:

• Ketone therapy demonstrates significant potential to enhance cardiac systolic function and improve hemodynamics in patients with heart failure.
• The findings suggest that ketone therapy is a promising treatment strategy for heart failure.
• Ketone therapy may also serve as a beneficial medical strategy for individuals without heart failure and healthy individuals.