Site last updated on: Sep. 2, 2010
 
Advanced Search
 Clinical Management Series
Subscribe now so you can enter the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
Login
Natural Medicines in the Clinical Management of Heart Failure
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) Blockers | Adrenergic System Blockers | Diuretics
Cardiac Positive Inotropes | Vasodilators | Miscellaneous
The Bottom Line | References
 

Heart failure can be a bit tricky. Early symptoms are often so subtle they go undetected. By the time symptoms are noticed, there can be significant cardiac damage. By the time they are diagnosed, many patients have already lost up to 50% of their cardiac function.12316 As a result, survival time after diagnosis of heart failure is relatively short...an average of 1.7 years for men and 3.2 years for women.12317

The sooner heart failure is detected, the better. Suspect heart failure in patients with poorly-controlled or long-standing hypertension, valvular disease, or coronary artery disease. An echocardiogram can give an early indication of heart failure even in patients who don't have symptoms. The diagnosis can often be confirmed with further testing, such as an exercise test.12316

Heart failure develops with a snowball effect. Symptoms beget more symptoms. When the heart starts to fail, the body tries to compensate. As cardiac output decreases, the adrenergic system kicks in and norepinephrine levels increase. At first, the increased adrenergic stimulation helps maintain cardiac output. Over time the adrenergic stimulation starts to work against the heart. Norepinephrine increases arterial pressure. Eventually the heart must contract more forcefully to overcome increased arterial pressure. The increased norepinephrine also stimulates production of renin in the kidney. Renin is important in the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I. And angiotensin I is converted by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II further increases arterial pressure and causes structural changes in the heart. The structural changes are known as "cardiac remodeling." Ultimately, these effects put additional stress on the heart, increase cardiac cell death, and cause disease progression.12318

Many of the treatments used for heart failure target these processes...and ultimately slow the snowball effect. The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease.

Commonly Used Conventional and Natural Medicines for Heart Failure*
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) Blockers
   Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
      Conventional Medicines
         Benazepril (Lotensin)
         Captopril (Capoten)
         Enalapril (Vasotec)
         Fosinopril (Monopril)
         Lisinopril (Zestril / Prinivil)
         Moexipril (Univasc)
         Perindopril (Aceon)
         Quinapril (Accupril)
         Ramipril (Altace)
         Trandolapril (Mavik)
      Natural Medicines
         L-arginine
         Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
   Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
      Conventional Medicines
         Candesartan (Atacand)
         Eprosartan (Teveten)
         Irbesartan (Avapro)
         Losartan (Cozaar)
         Olmesartan (Benicar)
         Telmisartan (Micardis)
         Valsartan (Diovan)
   Aldosterone Blockers
      Conventional Medicines
         Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Adrenergic System Blockers
   Beta-blockers
      Conventional Medicines
         Atenolol (Tenormin)
         Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
         Carvedilol (Coreg)
         Metoprolol (Toprol XL)
         Propranolol (Inderal)
Diuretics
   Conventional Medicines
      Eplerenone (Inspra)
      Furosemide (Lasix)
      Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
      Spironolactone (Aldactone)
   Natural Medicines
      Corn silk (Zea mays)
      Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
      Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
Cardiac Positive Inotropes
   Cardiac Glycosides
      Conventional Medicines
         Digoxin (Lanoxin)
      Natural Medicines
         Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea)
         Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
         Oleander (Nerium oleander)
         Pheasant's eye (Adonis vernalis)
         Squill (Urginea indica)
         Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
   Others
      Natural Medicines
         Carnitine
         Creatine
         Propionyl-L-carnitine
         Terminalia (Terminalia arjuna)
Vasodilators
   Conventional Medicines
      Hydralazine (Apresoline)
      Hydralazine + Isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil)
      Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
Miscellaneous
   Natural Medicines
      Coenzyme Q-10
      L-arginine
      Magnesium
      Taurine
      Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
*Note: Many natural products are tried for heart failure, but very few have reliable evidence that they work. Inclusion in this list does NOT imply that these products are effective for heart failure.

Only a few conventional treatments are actually proven to slow disease progression and improve survival. They fall into two categories: 1.) renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers; and 2.) adrenergic system blockers.

To read more about heart failure guidelines see Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter Detail-Document #180109.

 
 
 
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) Blockersreturn to top 

The RAAS blockers include three classes of drugs:

  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
  • Spironolactone and eplerenone (Inspra)
People used to think ACE inhibitors (e.g., Monopril, Vasotec, etc) worked because they cause vasodilation and decrease arterial pressure. We now know that ACE inhibitors do more. They block production of angiotensin II, and that helps prevent cardiac remodeling. Treatment with ACE inhibitors improves symptoms and can decrease death rate by up to 23%.12318

An angiotensin II receptor blocker (e.g., Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar, Diovan, etc) can be substituted for patients who can't tolerate an ACE inhibitor. There's growing evidence that these drugs also improve survival.12320

Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It causes diuresis, but works in a unique way that also seems to interrupt one of the "snowball effects" of heart failure. Spironolactone blocks aldosterone. Aldosterone levels increase in patients with heart failure, which leads to fluid retention, fluid overload, and worsening of symptoms. Adding spironolactone to heart failure patients already on an ACE inhibitor and other diuretics can reduce symptoms and mortality by about 30%.12321

An alternative to spironolactone is the newer drug eplerenone (Inspra). It works like spironolactone, but is more selective for aldosterone receptors...and therefore causes fewer side effects.

To read more about eplerenone see Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter Detail-Document #191104.

Practice Pearl
Watch for hyperkalemia in patients who get spironolactone or eplerenone...especially when they are combined with an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or another drug that increases potassium. Inappropriate monitoring of patients on spironolactone has been linked to increased hospitalizations and death due to hyperkalemia.12322

Several natural medicines are promoted and used for cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure. Some of these products affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

L-arginine is one of the best known natural medicines used for cardiovascular disease. The most common explanation for its cardiovascular benefits has to do with L-arginine's affect on nitric oxide. L-arginine is a substrate for the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The enzyme converts L-arginine to nitric oxide. This leads to vasodilation, improved coronary endothelial function, and increased coronary blood flow.110,116,1362,1363,3330

In addition to increasing nitric oxide, there is some evidence that L-arginine decreases the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).7820 Theoretically, this could have benefits in interrupting the snowball effect of congestive heart failure.

Despite these promising pharmacological effects, the clinical benefits of L-arginine are limited. When L-arginine is added to conventional treatment, heart failure patients seem to have improved kidney function and increase fluid elimination.3596 Some patients also have improved functional status, exercise tolerance, and quality of life, but these benefits have not been found consistently in clinical trials.3595,6028,7813,8014

L-arginine seems promising, but there's not much known about it's long-term benefits...or if L-arginine can improve ultimate outcomes. For now, don't recommend it for most patients. But if patients decide to try it, don't worry too much, L-arginine is usually safe for most patients. Advise patients who use L-arginine that high doses are usually needed... 6-20 grams per day. Explain that adding L-arginine might cause a decrease in blood pressure. This could lead to hypotension in some patients, especially if they are taking other antihypertensives.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) doesn't sound all that appetizing to many of us. But pomegranate juice is now becoming a popular healthy drink. Products like POM Wonderful are being promoted by the fact that pomegranate juice has lots of polyphenols that work as antioxidants. There are more of these healthy polyphenols in pomegranate juice than in green tea, orange juice, or red wine.

But the evidence for cardiovascular benefits in humans is still just ramping up. There is preliminary evidence that it can decrease angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. Some evidence also suggests that drinking pomegranate juice 50 mL/day might help decrease blood pressure by about 5% in patients with hypertension.8310

Since pomegranate juice decreases ACE, there is potential for its use in heart failure. But so far this hasn't been studied. If heart failure patients want to drink the juice, no problem. There's no question that it's a healthy drink. Just advise them not to rely on it for improved heart failure symptoms.

 
  Question #1
ACE inhibitors
  • View brands containing:
    -L-arginine
      Question #2
    Which of the following drugs is L-arginine most likely to interact with? (HINT: click here to go to the L-arginine monograph; then scroll down to the Interactions with Drugs section)
  • View brands containing:
    -Pomegranate
    -Green tea
    -Orange juice
    -Red wine
    Adrenergic System Blockersreturn to top 

    The second category of drugs includes those that target the adrenergic system, beta-blockers.

    Beta-blockers are now considered essential in heart failure. We used to think beta-blockers would worsen heart failure, so clinicians weren't using them. Now there's proof that at least some beta-blockers (Coreg, Toprol XL, Zebeta) can save lives. Beta-blockers block the adrenergic system that revs up in patients with heart failure and can often lead to serious arrhythmias. Adding a beta-blocker can reduce mortality by up to 34%.12318

    Most patients should be started on an ACE inhibitor, even when they are asymptomatic. Beta-blockers should be added for improved prevention of disease progression and improved survival benefits.12319 But don't add beta-blockers in "decompensated" patients...those with pulmonary edema, etc. Beta-blockers can initially worsen these symptoms.

    		 
      Question #3
    Which of the following primarily affects the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system?
  • Diureticsreturn to top 

    A lot of patients with heart failure need a diuretic to reduce fluid retention...furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), etc.

    Some patients also turn to natural medicines to help with fluid retention. Several natural medicines are reported to have diuretic effects. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is one of the most common herbal diuretics recommended for edema. Others include corn silk (Zea mays) and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica).

    While tradition suggests that these herbs have diuretic properties, there is no reliable evidence that they reduce edema in patients with heart failure. Advise patients not to use them.

    Thiamine and magnesium are sometimes recommended for heart failure patients who take conventional diuretics. That's because diuretics can deplete levels of these nutrients.

    Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency can worsen heart failure.1284,1285,1286,10507 This deficiency is most common in the elderly.10506 Elderly patients taking loop diuretics who continue to have symptoms despite adequate treatment might benefit from thiamine supplements.1284,1286,10508 Consider adding thiamine in these patients... 50-200 mg per day.

    Magnesium deficiency is particularly concerning in heart failure patients who are also taking digoxin. Low magnesium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.9613,9614 Consider checking magnesium levels in elderly patients who have been taking diuretics chronically. Also, make sure magnesium levels are checked in heart failure patients who have had arrhythmias...low magnesium levels could be a contributing factor. Add a magnesium supplement for patients who are deficient... 20-130 mg daily.6430

    		 
    View brands containing:
    -Dandelion
    -Corn silk
    -Stinging nettle
    -Thiamine
    -Magnesium
      Question #4
    Thiamine is sometimes recommended for heart failure patients because:
  • Cardiac Positive Inotropesreturn to top 

    Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a good example of a natural medicine that is no longer an "alternative medicine." Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside derived from the Digitalis purpurea plant...also known as foxglove. Digoxin can increase intracellular calcium in cardiac cells. This increases contractility and cardiac output. Digoxin is typically added as symptoms progress, but it does not reduce mortality.

    Practice Pearl
    Help make sure patients who get digoxin get an appropriate dose. There is some concern that doses that are too high might INCREASE mortality in women. Usually doses of 0.125 mg/day are adequate. Serum levels should be maintained between 0.5-1.0 ng/mL.

    To read more about gender difference related to digoxin see Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter Detail-Document #181203.

    Several other plants contain cardiac glycosides...oleander, pheasant's eye, squill, star of Bethlehem and others. Anecdotally, they may help,15331,15332 but none of these have been studied in clinical trials...and none are appropriate for self-treatment of heart failure. Due to the lack of stringent manufacturing standards, these herbal products would likely contain an inconsistent amount of the active cardiac glycosides and produce inconsistent results. Fortunately, formulations of these plants are almost never found in supplements sold on store shelves.

    Carnitine seems to have a positive inotropic effect, but it's much different than the cardiac glycosides. Carnitine is an amino acid-like cofactor in skeletal muscles and the heart. It is involved in generating energy within the cells. Carnitine helps move long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria where they are converted to energy.

    Patients with heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions seem to have decreased levels of this cofactor in heart tissue.1572 Some researchers think carnitine levels might be a disease marker for heart failure...lower levels usually indicate more severe heart failure.12323

    The clinical evidence looks promising. Carnitine seems to improve symptoms, ejection fraction, and exercise tolerance. Carnitine seems to increase ejection fraction by up to 14% and exercise tolerance by as much as 21% in some patients.1575,1582,1583,3626 In some patients carnitine also seems to decrease cardiac remodeling.1575

    There's even some preliminary evidence that carnitine might slow the disease process and improve survival.3625

    The body of evidence supporting carnitine is growing, but it's still fairly preliminary. There's not enough support to recommend it across the board. But it might be worth a try in patients who are not improving on standard therapy. Some clinicians are using 1.5-2 grams, usually divided and given 2-3 times daily. Two different formulations are being used...L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. Both have been used in studies, but there's some speculation that propionyl-L-carnitine might deliver carnitine to the cells more efficiently.1439

    Tell patients who take carnitine that it might take 2 weeks to a month for significant symptom improvement. Maximum improvement can take up to 6 months.

    Creatine is a very popular sports supplement. Athletes often use it to bulk up or improve athletic performance. Now some people are using it in patients with heart failure...to improve exercise tolerance. There's some evidence that it can help improve strength and endurance in heart failure patients.4562,4563

    But there are safety concerns with creatine and some unanswered questions. Creatine is probably not a good choice for patients with heart failure. Taking creatine requires drinking extra fluids to prevent dehydration and cramping. Fluid overload is a problem with heart failure patients. So increasing fluid intake is usually avoided. Also, people with heart failure are prone to renal disease. There is some concern that creatine might contribute to worsening renal function.184,2118 Advise heart failure patients to avoid creatine.

    Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is an herb with a long history of use in Europe. Many clinicians in Europe consider hawthorn a preferred alternative to digoxin. Hawthorn seems to have many of the same benefits as digoxin. It increases cardiac output and exercise tolerance and reduces symptoms. Specific extracts of hawthorn (Crataegutt and Faros 300) seem to be helpful in the early stages of heart failure.8279,8280,10144,11449 But it might not offer much benefit in patients with more severe disease.

    Hawthorn contains constituents that increase heart contraction and coronary blood flow, and cause vasodilation.406,10144,11450 Some people claim that hawthorn is actually better than digoxin. They say it's less likely to induce arrhythmias, safer in renal dysfunction, and better tolerated overall. But there's no solid evidence this is true.

    You can think of hawthorn as a "milder digoxin." It's not appropriate for self-treatment. If you consider using it for your patients, hawthorn should only be considered early on in the disease, when symptoms aren't too severe and BEFORE patients require digoxin. There's no benefit to adding it in patients already taking digoxin. Doses of hawthorn extract are typically 200-500 mg three times daily. Keep in mind that it can take 6-8 weeks before there is maximal benefit. Tell patients that as symptoms get worse, they'll eventually need to be switched to digoxin.

    You might see patients trying another herb for heart failure...terminalia (Terminalia arjuna), also known as arjuna. There is some evidence it can improve heart function and decrease symptoms.2504 Some researchers think it might increase heart rate and cardiac output. Terminalia looks promising, but don't recommend it yet. More evidence is needed about long-term safety and effectiveness.

    		 
    View brands containing:
    -Digitalis
    View brands containing:
    -Oleander
    -Pheasant's eye
    -Squill
    -Star Of Bethlehem
    -Carnitine
      Question #5
    Which of the following is most similar to digoxin?
  • View brands containing:
    -L-carnitine
    -Propionyl-L-carnitine
      Question #6
    Which of the following is TRUE regarding carnitine?
  • View brands containing:
    -Creatine
    -Hawthorn
      Question #7
    Which of the following is TRUE about creatine?
  • View brands containing:
    -Terminalia
    Vasodilatorsreturn to top 

    The vasodilators hydralazine (Apresoline) and isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) were commonly used for heart failure many years ago...before we started using ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. Now they are making a comeback...especially for African Americans. There are concerns that ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers don't work as well for blacks as for whites. Black patients with moderate to severe heart failure, who get hydralazine plus isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil) along with standard treatment, seem to have improved survival.

    To read more about using hydralazine plus isosorbide dinitrate for heart failure see Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter Detail-Document #210105.

    		 
      Question #8
    A heart failure patient who is taking digoxin wants to use hawthorn. What should you tell him?
  • Miscellaneousreturn to top 

    Coenzyme Q-10 is one of the most talked about supplements used for heart failure and many other conditions. The theory about how it works makes some sense. Coenzyme Q-10 is a vitamin-like cofactor found mostly in cellular structures called mitochondria. Coenzyme Q-10 has an important role in the biochemical process that results in production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is used by cells as a fuel to produce energy. Inhibition of ATP production can cause cell death and tissue damage. Coenzyme Q-10 levels are low in some patients with heart failure. Researchers think that replacing coenzyme Q-10 might improve cellular energy production and prevent cell death in people with heart failure. Coenzyme Q-10 also has antioxidant effects and can prevent oxidative damage.12321

    There is a lot of controversy about the effectiveness of coenzyme Q-10. Many cardiologists are skeptical. The reason is that some research findings are inconsistent. Early clinical studies are mostly positive. But recent studies are more negative. Most studies show that coenzyme Q-10 does NOT improve ejection fraction or exercise tolerance.5090,6037,6038

    But coenzyme Q-10 does seem to consistently improve SYMPTOMS...dyspnea, edema, etc. There's even some evidence that coenzyme Q-10 can improve quality of life and reduce hospital admission rates.6407,6408,6409,8909,12170

    There isn't enough strong evidence to recommend coenzyme Q-10 for all heart failure patients. But coenzyme Q-10 might be worth a try in some patients with heart failure, especially those with persistent symptoms. Consider adding it in patients who still have symptoms despite adequate treatment with conventional meds. Most clinicians use 100-200 mg, divided, and given 2-3 times daily.

    Practice Pearl
    Be careful in patients taking warfarin (Coumadin). Coenzyme Q-10 is chemically similar to vitamin K and might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin.2128,6048,6199

    There's a good chance patients will ask about taurine. Taurine is an amino acid that is actually increased in the left ventricle of heart failure patients.9900 Researchers are finding that giving taurine supplements can help some patients. Taurine can improve cardiac output and decrease symptoms of heart failure when used for up to a year.5248,5271,5306,8221

    Researchers are still trying to figure out exactly how taurine works. But it seems to help regulate calcium movement in cardiac muscle cells. There is also evidence that it might have antioxidant effects, lower adrenergic stimulation, and decrease blood pressure.3467,8219,8221,8222 Each of these effects could help heart failure patients.

    Most studies have been small and preliminary. As more evidence develops, taurine may become an important option for heart failure patients. But for now, there isn't enough evidence to recommend it.

    		 
    View brands containing:
    -Coenzyme Q-10
      Question #9
    Which of the following is most appropriate for a heart failure patient who continues to have symptoms despite adequate treatment with conventional medicines?
  •   Question #10
    Which of the following has preliminary evidence suggesting that it might improve survival in patients with heart failure?
  • View brands containing:
    -Taurine
    The Bottom Linereturn to top 

    The thought of using natural medicines for heart failure makes some clinicians cringe. Heart failure is a serious condition. It requires serious, proven therapies.

    It's true; natural medicines are NOT appropriate as primary treatment of heart failure. But some natural medicines may end up with a place in therapy...as adjunctive treatments.

    There are a surprising number of beneficial natural medicines for heart failure. Several could be worth considering as add-on therapy in select patients...coenzyme Q-10, carnitine, and L-arginine.

    There is growing evidence that some natural medicines may have a real role in therapy. But they are no substitute for standard treatments. Make sure patients are not attempting to self-treat heart failure. Ensure they are getting treatments proven to improve survival...ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, etc. Patients adding on natural meds as adjunctive treatment should be monitored closely for signs of improvement or deterioration. These patients should also be watched for potential interactions.

    		 
      
     
    Recommendation Chart for Natural Medicines Used for Heart Failure *
    Safety/EffectiveLikely
    Safe    		Possibly
    Safe    		Insufficient
    Evidence    		Possibly
    Unsafe    		Likely
    Unsafe    		Unsafe
    Effective
    -Magnesium
    (for deficiency)
    -Thiamine
    (for deficiency)
         		     
    Likely
    Effective    		     
    -Digitalis
     
    Possibly
    Effective
    -Coenzyme Q-10
    -L-arginine
    -L-carnitine
    -Propionyl-L-carnitine
     
    -Hawthorn
    -Taurine
    -Terminalia
    -Creatine
    (but not advised in CHF)
         		    
    Insufficient
    Evidence    		 
    -Corn silk
    -Dandelion
    -Pomegranate
    -Stinging nettle
         		  
    -Oleander
    -Pheasant's eye
    -Squill
    -Star Of Bethlehem
         		 
    Possibly
    Ineffective    		      
    Likely
    Ineffective    		      
    Ineffective      
     KEY:
     Consider recommending this product.
     Don't recommend using this product.
     Recommend against using this product.

    * These proposed recommendations are based solely on the Safety and Effectiveness Ratings contained in Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. This assumes use of high-quality, uncontaminated products and the use of typical doses. Keep in mind that some products are never appropriate for some patients due to concomitant disease states, potential drug interactions, or other clinical factors. Use your clinical judgment before recommending any product.

    References return to top
    110Lerman A, Burnett JC Jr, Higano ST, et al. Long-term L-arginine improves small-vessel coronary endothelial function in humans. Circulation 1998;97:2123-8.
    116Adams MR, McCredie R, Jessup W, et al. Oral L-arginine improves endothelium-dependent dilatation and reduces monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells in young men with coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis 1997;129:261-9.
    184Koshy KM, Griswold E, Schneeberger EE. Interstitial nephritis in a patient taking creatine. N Engl J Med 1999;340:814-5.
    406Upton R, ed. Hawthorn Leaf with Flower: Analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1999:1-29.
    1284Shimon I, Almog S, Vered Z, et al. Improved left ventricular function after thiamine supplementation in patients with congestive heart failure receiving long-term furosemide therapy. Am J Med 1995;98:485-90.
    1285Pfitzenmeyer P, Guilland JC, d'Athis P, et al. Thiamine status of elderly patients with cardiac failure including the effects of supplementattion. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1994;64:113-8.
    1286Seligmann H, Halkin H, Rauchfleisch S, et al. Thiamine deficiency in patients with congestive heart failure receiving long-term furosemide therapy: a pilot study. Am J Med 1991;91:151-5.
    1362Creager MA, Gallagher SJ, Girerd XJ, et al. L-arginine improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in hypercholesterolemic humans. J Clin Invest 1992;90:1248-53.
    1363Clarkson P, Adams MR, Powe AJ, et al. Oral L-arginine improves endothelium-dependent dilation in hypercholesterolemic young adults. J Clin Invest 1996;97:1989-94.
    1439Siliprandi N, Di Lisa F, Menabo R. Propionyl-L-carnitine: biochemical significance and possible role in cardiac metabolism. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1991;5 Suppl 1:11-5.
    1572Bartels GL, Remme WJ, Pillay M, et al. Acute improvement of cardiac function with intravenous L-propionylcarnitine in humans. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1992;20:157-64.
    1575Anand I, Chandrashekhan Y, De Giuli F, et al. Acute and chronic effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on the hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and hormones in patients with congestive heart failure. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1998;12:291-9.
    1582Caponnetto S, Canale C, Masperone MA, et al. Efficacy of L-propionylcarnitine treatment in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Eur Heart J 1994;15:1267-73.
    1583Mancini M, Rengo F, Lingetti M, et al. Controlled study on the therapeutic efficacy of propionyl-L-carnitine in patients with congestive heart failure. Arzneimittelforschung 1992;42:1101-4.
    2118Pritchard NR, Kalra PA. Renal dysfunction accompanying oral creatine supplements. Lancet 1998;351:1252-3.
    2128Spigset O. Reduced effect of warfarin caused by ubidecarenone. Lancet 1994;334:1372-3.
    2504Bharani A, Ganguly A, Bhargava KD. Salutary effect of Terminalia Arjuna in patients with severe refractory heart failure. Int J Cardiol 1995;49:191-9.
    3330Tenebaum A, Fisman EZ, Motro M. L-arginine: Rediscovery in progress. Cardiology 1998;90:153-5.
    3467Niittynen L, Nurminen ML, Korpela R, et al. Role of arginine, taurine, and homocysteine in cardiovascular diseases. Ann Med 1999;31:318-26.
    3595Rector TS, Bank AJ, Mullen KA, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of supplemental oral L-arginine in patients with heart failure. Circulation 1996;93:2135-41.
    3596Watanabe G, Tomiyama H, Doba N. Effects of oral administration of L-arginine on renal function in patients with heart failure. J Hypertens 2000;18:229-34.
    3625Rizos I. Three-year survival of patients with heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy and L-carnitine administration. Am Heart J 2000;139:S120-3.
    3626Ghidini O, Azzurro M, Vita G, Sartori G. Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of L-carnitine in congestive heart failure. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1988;26:217-20.
    4562Andrews R, Greenhaff P, Curtis S, et al. The effect of dietary creatine supplementation on skeletal muscle metabolism in congestive heart failure. Eur Heart J 1998;19:617-22.
    4563Gordon A, Hultman E, Kaijser L, et al. Creatine supplementation in chronic heart failure increases skeletal muscle creatine phosphate and muscle performance. Cardiovasc Res 1995;30:413-8.
    5090Khatta M, Alexander BS, Krichten CM, et al. The effect of coenzyme Q10 in patients with congestive heart failure. Ann Intern Med 2000;132:636-40.
    5248Azuma J, Sawamura A, Awata N. Usefulness of taurine in chronic congestive heart failure andits prospective application. Jpn Circ J 1992;56:95-9.
    5271Azuma J, Sawamura A, Awata N, et al. Therapeutic effect of taurine in congestive heart failure: a double-blind crossover trial. Clin Cardiol 1985;8:276-82.
    5306Azuma J, Hasegawa H, Sawamura A, et al. Therapy of congestive heart failure with orally administered taurine. Clin Ther 1983;5:398-408.
    6028Hambrecht R, Hilbrich L, Erbs S, et al. Correction of endothelial dysfunction in chronic heart failure: additional effects of exercise training and oral L-arginine supplementation. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000;35:706-13.
    6037Watson PS, Scalia GM, Galbraith A, et al. Lack of effect of coenzyme Q on left ventricular function in patients with congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol 1999;33:1549-52.
    6038Permanetter B, Rossy W, Klein G, et al. Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) in the long-term treatment of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Eur Heart J 1992;13:1528-33.
    6048Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000;57:1221-7.
    6199Landbo C, Almdal TP. [Interaction between warfarin and coenzyme Q10]. [Article in Danish]. Ugeskr Laeger 1998;160:3226-7.
    6407Morisco C, Trimarco B, Condorelli M. Effect of coenzyme Q10 therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: A long-term, multicenter, randomized study. Clin Investig 1993;71:S134-6.
    6408Hofman-Bang C, Rehnqvist N, Swedberg K, et al. Coenzyme Q10 as an adjunctive treatment of congestive heart failure. J Card Fail 1995;1:101-7.
    6409Baggio E, Gandini R, Plauncher AC, et al. Italian multicenter study on the safety and efficacy of coenzyme Q10 as adjunctive therapy in heart failure. CoQ10 Drug Surveillance Investigators. Mol Aspects Med 1994;15 Suppl:S287-94.
    6430Anderson PO, Knoben JE. Handbook of Clinical Drug Data. 8th ed. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1997.
    7813Kanaya Y, Nakamura M, Kobayashi N, Hiramori K. Effects of L-arginine on lower limb vasodilator reserve and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure. Heart 1999;81:512-7.
    7820Wu G, Meininger CJ. Arginine nutrition and cardiovascular function. J Nutr 2000;130:2626-9.
    8014Chin-Dusting JP, Kaye DM, Lefkovits J, et al. Dietary supplementation with L-arginine fails to restore endothelial function in forearm resistance arteries of patients with severe heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol 1996;27:1207-13.
    8219Paasonen MK, Penttila O, Himberg JJ, et al. Platelet taurine in patients with arterial hypertension, myocardial failure or infarction. Acta Med Scand Suppl 1980;642:79-84.
    8221Azuma J. Long-term effect of taurine in congestive heart failure: Preliminary report. Adv Exp Med Biol 1994;359:425-33.
    8222Azuma J, Takihara K, Awata N, et al. Taurine and failing heart: experimental and clinical aspects. Prog Clin Biol Res 1985;179:195-213.
    8279Schmidt U, Kuhn U, Ploch M, Hubner WD. Efficacy of the Hawthorne (Crataegus) Preparation LI 132 in 78 patients with chronic congestive heart failure defined as NYHA functional class II. Phytomedicine 1994;1:17-24.
    8280Zapfe jun G. Clinical efficacy of crataegus extract WS 1442 in congestive heart failure NYHA class II. Phytomedicine 2001;8:262-6.
    8310Aviram M, Dornfeld L. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic blood pressure. Atherosclerosis 2001;158:195-8.
    8909Soja AM, Mortensen SA. Treatment of congestive heart failure with coenzyme Q10 illuminated by meta-analyses of clinical trials. Mol Aspects Med 1997;18:S159-68.
    9613Ryan MP. Diuretics and potassium/magnesium depletion: directions for treatment. Am J Med 1987;82:38-47.
    9614Hollifield JW. Magnesium depletion, diuretics, and arrhythmias. Am J Med 1987;82:30-7.
    9900Huxtable R, Bressler R. Elevation of taurine in human congestive heart failure. Life Sci 1974;14:1353-9.
    10144Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med 2003;114:665-74.
    10506Levy WC, Soine LA, Huth MM, Fishbein DP. Thiamine deficiency in heart failure (letter). Am J Med 1992;93:705-6.
    10507Leslie D, Gheorghiade M. Is there a role for thiamine supplementation in the management of heart failure. Am Heart J 1996;131:1248-50.
    10508Saif MW. Is there a role for thiamine in the management of congestive heart failure? (letter) South Med J 2003;96:114-5.
    11449Degenring FH, Suter A, Weber M, Saller R. A randomised double blind placebo controlled clinical trial of a standardised extract of fresh Crataegus berries (Crataegisan) in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure NYHA II. Phytomedicine 2003;10:363-9.
    11450Schwinger RH, Pietsch M, Frank K, Brixius K. Crataegus special extract WS 1442 increases force of contraction in human myocardium cAMP-independently. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2000;35:700-7.
    12170Berman M, Erman A, Ben-Gal T, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Cardiol 2004;27:295–9.
    12316Sonnenblick E. Detecting and treating heart failure: An update on strategies. www.ConsultantLive.com (Accessed 24 January 2001).
    12317Skrabal M, Stading J, Behmer-Miller K, et al. Advances in the treatment of congestive heart failure: New approaches for an old disease. Pharmacotherapy 2000;20:787-804.
    12318Pharmacotherapy Self-Assessment Program. Module 1: Cardiology. 3rd Ed. Kansas City, MO: American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 1998.
    12319Adams KF, Baughman KL, Konstam MA, et al. Heart failure society guidelines: A model of consensus and excellence. Pharmacotherapy 2000;20:495-522.
    12320Valsartan for heart failure. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2000;17(1):170104.
    12321Pitt B, Zannad F, Remme WJ, et al. The effect of spironolactone on morbidity and mortality in patients with severe heart failure. Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study Investigators. N Engl J Med 1999;341:709-17.
    12322McMurray JJ, O'Meara E. Treatment of heart failure with spironolactone--trial and tribulations. N Engl J Med 2004;351:526-8.
    12323El-Aroussy W, et al. Plasma carnitine levels as a marker of impaired ventricular function. Mol Cell Biochem 2000;213:37-41.
    15331Vogelsang A. Ornithogalum umbellatum in the treatment of congestive heart failure: progress report. J Am Geriatr Soc 1961;9:1096-9.
    15332Vogelsang A. Clinical trial of Ornithogalum umbellatum on the human heart; preliminary report. Can Med Assoc J 1955;73:295-6.
    Subscribe now so you can enter the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
    Login