Improved pacing tolerance of the ischemic human myocardium after administration of carnitine (original) (raw)

This study examined the effects of DL-carnitine on pacing tolerance in ischemic human myocardium. In a controlled trial involving 21 patients with coronary artery disease, those receiving DL-carnitine showed significant improvements in heart rate, pressure-rate product, pacing duration, myocardial lactate extraction, and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure compared to untreated patients. Results indicate that DL-carnitine administration enhances stress tolerance in ischemic hearts with preserved function.