L-carnitine in cardiology: reality and perspectives
https://doi.org/10.15829/1560-4071-2013-5-73-80
Abstract
Carnitine is a substance close to vitamins B, which participates in the mitochondrial energy synthesis. L-carnitine controls the rate of the long-chain fatty acid oxidation and acts as a specific co-factor facilitating their transport via the internal mitochondrial membrane. It also participates in the elimination of long-chain fatty acid excess from mitochondria and cytoplasm. These effects prevent cytotoxicity.
This review presents the results of the studies which comply with the standards of evidence-based medicine.
It has been shown that in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), L-carnitine therapy was associated with a reduction in myocardial necrosis and an improved clinical course of AMI (end-point incidence in the main and control groups was 15,6% and 26%, respectively).
In the first 5 days of L-carnitine therapy, there was a significant reduction in mortality in the main group of AMI patients.
In patients with stable angina, L-carnitine reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, repeat AMI, and ventricular arrhythmias. In patients with intermittent claudication, L-carnitine significantly increases the pain-free walking distance. This medication is well tolerated, with no registered major adverse effects.
About the Author
D. M. AronovRussian Federation
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Review
For citations:
Aronov D.M. L-carnitine in cardiology: reality and perspectives. Russian Journal of Cardiology. 2013;(5):73-80. https://doi.org/10.15829/1560-4071-2013-5-73-80
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