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Health News Archive 326 - Congestive Heart Failure
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D-Ribose Improves Ventilatory Efficiency in Congestive Heart Failure Patients

Ventilatory efficiency is recognized as an important predictor of survival and disease progression among patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Thus, improving ventilatory efficiency in this population is of prime importance. A research report presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session 2005, suggests that D-Ribose can play a significant role in this key pursuit.

It is well accepted that failing hearts are energy starved and lack sufficient energy for normal function. D-Ribose, a naturally occurring monosaccharide, has been shown to play a vital role in cellular energy creation. A team at the University of Utah tested the effects of D-Ribose on the exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency of CHF patients. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover design the effect of ribose supplementation was tested on 15 CHF patients for eight-weeks.

The results show measurable patient improvement. "This study showed a real benefit in ventilatory parameters during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. A significant improvement was noted in ventilatory efficiency, oxygen uptake efficiency, and myocardial performance in class II and III heart failure patients," said Mark A. Munger, PharmD, Professor of Pharmacotherapy and Associate Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Utah. "Beyond the previously known benefits of ribose in enhancing myocardial energy levels and improving diastolic function parameters following ischemia, this study demonstrated a benefit in ventilatory efficiency, one of the most powerful predictors of survival in congestive heart failure patients."

Source: American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session March 2005 in Orlando, Florida