Foods to improve ejection fraction
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Foods to Improve Ejection Fraction
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are significant health concerns. Dietary interventions have shown promise in improving ejection fraction and overall heart health. This article explores various foods and dietary supplements that have been studied for their potential benefits in improving ejection fraction.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and Cardiorespiratory Fitness
EVOO Supplementation in HFpEF Patients
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been identified as a beneficial dietary supplement for patients with HFpEF. A study involving a 12-week pilot trial with nine patients demonstrated that EVOO supplementation significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), as measured by peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES). The study found that increased daily intake of EVOO was associated with positive improvements in peak VO2 and OUES, indicating enhanced cardiovascular function and potentially improved ejection fraction.
Dietary Nitrate and Exercise Performance
Beetroot Juice in HFrEF Patients
Dietary nitrate, commonly found in beetroot juice, has shown potential in improving exercise performance and VO2peak in patients with HFrEF. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed that acute ingestion of beetroot juice containing dietary nitrate increased VO2peak by 8% and improved time to fatigue by 7%. These improvements suggest that dietary nitrate can enhance exercise capacity and potentially support better heart function in HFrEF patients.
Low-Sodium DASH Diet and Blood Pressure
DASH Diet in Hypertensive HFpEF Patients
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which is low in sodium and rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants, has been shown to reduce blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and oxidative stress in patients with hypertensive HFpEF. A study involving 13 patients demonstrated significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as a decrease in arterial stiffness and oxidative stress markers. These findings suggest that the DASH diet can improve cardiovascular health and potentially enhance ejection fraction in hypertensive HFpEF patients.
Herbal Preparations and Endothelial Function
QiShenYiQi (QSYQ) in HFpEF Mice
An herbal preparation known as QiShenYiQi (QSYQ) has been studied for its effects on HFpEF. In a mouse model, QSYQ treatment significantly improved diastolic function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced endothelial function by activating the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway. These improvements in cardiac function and reduction in endothelial inflammation suggest that QSYQ could be a promising therapeutic option for improving ejection fraction in HFpEF patients.
Conclusion
Incorporating specific foods and dietary supplements such as extra virgin olive oil, dietary nitrate from beetroot juice, and following a low-sodium DASH diet can significantly improve cardiovascular health and potentially enhance ejection fraction in patients with heart failure. Additionally, herbal preparations like QiShenYiQi show promise in improving heart function through anti-inflammatory and endothelial-supportive mechanisms. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore their long-term benefits.
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