Arginine: Heart Benefits and Side Effects

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. L-arginine offers several cardiovascular benefits, including improved blood flow, enhanced cardiac function, and better physical performance post-cardiac events. However, its efficacy can be dose-dependent, and it may not be effective in severe heart failure. Additionally, potential side effects such as increased urea and liver enzyme levels warrant cautious use. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety profile of L-arginine in various cardiovascular conditions.

Heart Benefits of Arginine

Improved Blood Flow and Functional Status

Supplemental oral L-arginine has been shown to significantly increase peripheral blood flow and improve functional status in patients with heart failure. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients receiving L-arginine exhibited increased forearm blood flow during exercise and improved performance in a 6-minute walk test compared to those receiving a placebo. Additionally, arterial compliance improved, and circulating levels of endothelin were reduced, indicating enhanced vascular function1.

Enhanced Cardiac Function and Quality of Life

L-arginine supplementation has also been associated with improvements in cardiac function and quality of life in patients with ischemic heart failure. A study involving 50 patients demonstrated significant improvements in ejection fraction, left ventricular function, and diastolic dysfunction. Patients also reported better physical and overall quality of life scores after 10 weeks of L-arginine supplementation2.

Reduction of Hypertension-Related Cardiac Issues

In aged spontaneously hypertensive rats, L-arginine administration reduced arterial pressure, total peripheral resistance, and left ventricular mass. It also improved coronary hemodynamics and reduced myocardial collagen content, suggesting that L-arginine can mitigate adverse cardiovascular effects associated with hypertension3.

Enhanced Physical Performance Post-Cardiac Events

L-arginine has been found to enhance the effects of cardiac rehabilitation in patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction. Patients who received L-arginine showed significant improvements in the 6-minute walking test and perceived exertion scores, indicating better physical performance and recovery5.

Antioxidant Effects

L-arginine supplementation has been shown to increase antioxidant enzyme levels, such as glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity in the heart muscles of rats. This suggests that L-arginine can help mitigate oxidative stress, which is a common side effect of intense physical activity6.

Side Effects of Arginine

Lack of Efficacy in Severe Heart Failure

Despite its benefits, L-arginine supplementation has not been universally effective. In patients with severe heart failure, dietary L-arginine failed to restore endothelial function in forearm resistance arteries, indicating that its benefits may be limited in advanced stages of heart disease9.

Potential Adverse Effects

Some studies have reported adverse effects associated with L-arginine supplementation. For instance, a significant increase in urea and aspartate transaminase levels was observed in patients receiving L-arginine, suggesting potential liver stress or damage9.

Dose-Dependent Efficacy

The efficacy of L-arginine appears to be dose-dependent. In a study on rats with heart failure, only the lower dose of L-arginine improved endothelium-dependent relaxation, while the higher dose did not show any additional benefits and failed to improve in vivo cardiac function4.

Disclaimer

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