ROLE OF METABOLIC THERAPY IN CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE

The pathophysiological basis for the use of metabolic therapy in the t reatment of heart failure is analyzed. Bioenergetical processes relate d to ATP bioavailability play a central role in regulating myocardial contractility at rest and on effort. Furthermore, a significant correl ation has been demonstrated in diseased heart between ATP content, rev ealed at endomyocardial biopsy, and systolic and diastolic left ventri cular indexes evaluated with invasive and noninvasive methods. Several international investigations demonstrate the beneficial effects of ub iquinone (coenzyme Q10) in the treatment of heart failure. Here the re sults of a study are reported that was conducted on patients with hear t failure treated with ubiquinone. After 7 months of oral drug adminis tration (100 mg/day), a significant improvement was observed in echoca rdiographic indexes of systolic function, cardiothoracic ratio, and cl inical signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. In conclusion, the introduction of metabolic drugs, such as ubiquinone, in the treatm ent of heart failure opens new horizons in the therapeutic approach to an ailment that entails substantial human and social costs.