Effect of L-carnitine on the heart function and brain natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic heart failure

Objective:To evaluate the effects of L-carnitine on the heart function and brain natriuretic peptide in chronic heart failure patients.Methods:Sixty patients with chronic heart failure were divided into control group 30 patients and therapy group 30 patients.The control group patients were given basic treatment with digoxin,diuretics,angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor(ACEI)or angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blocker(ARB),and β-blocker;the therapy group were given L-carnitine 3 g/d for 14 days in addition to the basic treatment.Heart function and BNP level in chronic heart failure patients was observed before and after L-carnitine treatment.Results:After treatment BNP level and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular diameter (LVFS) was obviously improved for therapy group, left ventricular end diastolic dimension(LVEDD) in treatment group was decreased but there was no significant difference. Compared with control group ,excellence rate and total effective rate increased significantly, BNP level decreased and LVEF and LVFS increased in therapy group . Conclusion:L-carnitine can be used as adjuvant therapy to improve the heart function in chronic heart failure patients.