September/October 2000
HEALTH BYTES

L-arginine and exercise benefit heart patients

A new study has found that people with chronic heart failure benefit greatly from the combination of L-arginine and exercise. This combination appears to help correct the abnormal function of blood vessels that is seen in chronic heart failure (CHF). In the study, 40 heart failure patients were assigned to one of four treatment groups. Patients either continued their usual treatment, took L-arginine, performed forearm exercises or performed the exercises in conjunction with L-arginine treatment. Patients treated with L-arginine had a fourfold increase in blood vessel dilation, and the combination of L-arginine and exercise training resulted in an even greater response. This study suggests that combined treatment of exercise and L-arginine may improve blood vessel functioning of the heart and in those with poor circulation. L-arginine is found in small amounts in soy protein, nuts and legumes, and from supplemental sources.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, March 2000