Optimizing the energy of the heart

Jerry G., a businessman, was diagnosed with coronary heart disease presenting as angina pectoris two years ago. Angina is characterized by a tight and heavy pain in the chest region as a result of ischemia or oxygen deprivation in the heart. To help him cope with the disease, his doctor prescribed L-carnitine along with his other medications.

After a year of taking his medications with L-carnitine, Jerry felt an improvement in his condition. He no longer feels pain in his chest area unlike before, as if his heart was given a fresh infusion of energy.

L-carnitine is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies synthesized by the liver and kidneys. It is most concentrated in the heart, adrenal glands and skeletal muscles.

According to medical experts, although our bodies can make a certain amount of L-carnitine on its own, certain conditions cause the demand for L-carnitine to exceed an individual’s capacity to synthesize it, which makes it an essential nutrient.

Studies show that L-carnitine converts fats into energy. By helping burn fat, L-carnitine lowers the health risks caused by inefficient fat metabolism associated with unhealthy lifestyle practices and diseases such as diabetes.

It has also been reported to lessen the risk of heart disorders by preventing the build-up of fat, especially in the muscles, liver and the heart.

The heart relies on the breakdown of fats for energy, which makes heart muscles vulnerable to L-carnitine deficiency. Numerous studies show that taking L-carnitine may improve heart muscle function, enhance heart performance, and help prevent cardiovascular diseases.

L-carnitine is also a necessary nutrient for people who have just suffered a heart attack. According to a study done by Davini et al, taking maximum dose of four grams of L-carnitine a day will influence a heart attack patient’s chance of survival by limiting the damage extended to their heart. Thus, death can be prevented and the need for medication can be reduced.

In another study conducted by Iliceto et al, published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology, results suggested that carnitine therapy may limit adverse effects of myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack. The study, which involved a total of 472 patients treated within 24 hours of having their first MI, showed that the incidence of death and congestive heart failure after discharge was lower in the L-carnitine treatment group versus the placebo group.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved L-carnitine as a therapy for low energy levels, congestive heart disease and other diseases associated with low cellular energy levels.

In the Philippines, L-carnitine is locally manufactured by Pascual Laboratories. For more information on the benefits of L-carnitine and how it can energize your heart, call the Carnicor hotline at 920-1911 local 146 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.