Nutrients to Address Angina

Interestingly, another study of patients with ischemic heart disease/effort angina found patients experienced a faster loss of CoQ10 during exercise than control subjects, underscoring the importance of maintaining adequate stores of CoQ10.(20). In another study, 150 mg of CoQ10 given to angina patients not only increased their blood levels of CoQ10, but also increased their ability to exercise longer.(21) These results lead the researchers to conclude, “This study suggests [CoQ10] is a safe and promising treatment for angina pectoris.”

L-carnitine is an important nutrient in energy metabolism; extensive research has also shown L-carnitine plays a valuable role in heart health. Several studies have demonstrated that supplementation with L-carnitine (2,000 to 4,000 mg/d) is able to reduce the incidence of anginal attacks in patients with cardiovascular disease.(22,23,24,25) Furthermore, in studies involving patients with angina pectoris and effort angina, supplementation with L-carnitine (2,000 or 3,000 mg/d) was able to improve exercise performance.(26,27,28,29,30) Furthermore, in a study where L-carnitine was given to patients with effort angina along with anti-arrythmic drugs, L-carnitine improved the action of those drugs.(31)

Another interesting amino acid is L-arginine. Physicians typically give angina patients a prescription for nitroglycerin tablets, which are used in case of an angina attack. Nitroglycerine interacts with nitric oxide to stimulate dilation of the arteries. It is interesting to note nitric oxide is made from L-arginine. Furthermore, blood cells in people with angina have been shown to make insufficient nitric oxide, possibly due to abnormalities of arginine metabolism.(32) Of greatest significance is research showing 2 g of arginine, three times per day for as little as three days, improved the ability of angina sufferers to exercise.(33) Additional research has shown the mechanism by which L-arginine operates is through stimulating blood vessel dilation.(34)

Finally, from the botanical arena comes hawthorn, which Germany’s Commission E has validated for use in cases of cardiac insufficiency. In this capacity, hawthorn has generated improved subjective findings, as well as an increase in heart work tolerance and a decrease in pressure/heart rate product.(35) In one study, 60 mg hawthorn extract taken three times per day improved heart function and exercise tolerance in angina patients.(36) Retailers should also note that while hawthorn berry products are available, it is the hawthorn leaves and flowers that have been the subject of most research in the heart health area.

Gene Bruno is the dean of academics and is on the faculty of Huntington College of Health Sciences (HCHS), an accredited distance learning institutions offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as diploma programs in nutrition. HCHS.edu; (800) 290-4226.

Natural Products Marketplace – November 2008

“Nutrients to Address Angina” References

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3. Ibid.

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34. Egashira K et al. Circulation. 1996;94:130–34.

35. Blumenthal M et al. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines / CD version (1998) American Botanical Council, Austin, Texas.

36. Hanack T, Bruckel MH. Therapiewoche. 1983;33:4331–33 [in German].