CONGRESS ABSTRACT

Aim: We hypothesized that Bioarginina® C supplementation during a program of Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) in pts with heart failure (HF), enhances its response. Methods: We evaluated the effects of combination of oral L-arginine + liposomal vitamin C (Bioarginina®C, 1.66 g 2 bottles/day)(BC) in perceived exertion measured Borg modified scale (BMS) and the functional capacity measured with the six minute walking test (6MWT) of subjects with HF during CR. The routine data of patients with HF admitted to Rehabilitation of S. Gennaro Hospital (Naples) were analysed. 73 patients (55 M and 18 F), with mean age 63 ± 9 years, (Group A) undergoing integration with BC were examined above for 90 days during the CR cycle. As a control population, the results obtained with standard treatment in 36 patients with high cardiovascular risk (24 M and 13 F) (mean age 61 ± 6 years) (Group B), were examined. The entire study lasted 3 months. In all patients at baseline and after 3 months, routine blood pressure and M and B mode echocardiogram were performed. Results:  At 3 months, improvement in 6MWT values ​​was observed in both groups in Group A: 248 ± 132 m vs 307 ± 124 m (p <0.0001) – Group B: 231 ± 126 m vs 241 ± 140 m (p <0.021). However in group A, these was more significant. In the BRPE score was a significant improvement in A group but not in B group. In Group A: 3,5 ± 3,1 vs 2,8 ± 3,1 (p <0.031) – Group B: 3,1 ± 2,8 vs 2,9 ± 2,4 (p <0.41). After the CR cycle, the increase in the 6MWT distance in group B was not accompanied by a statistically significant reduction in the BRPE score, denoting a persistent muscle load. Our data indicate that functional capacity, significantly reduced in patients with HF, may improve after physical training. The simultaneous administration of L-arginine potentiates the response to CR, independently of age, baseline functional capacity, and comorbid conditions, so that after 3 months CR program, we were able to detect a statistically and clinically significant increase in the 6MWT distance. Conclusion: We hypothesized that a supplementation combining L-Arginine (to improve endothelial function) and Vitamin C (to reduce oxidation) could have favorable effects on response of CR in patients with post ischemic HF. This study also, suggest that oral L-arginine + liposomal vitamin C supplementation could improve cardiac recovery and function.