After discontinuation of growth hormone, many of the beneficial effects were partially reversed. The drawback to the use of human growth hormone in the treatment of CHF and IDC is its cost. In one study of children with IDC, supplemental doses of L-carnitine produced favorable results, in particular, improved left ventricular ejection fraction. High intakes of fish oil may also provide some improvement of myocardial workload while reducing blood viscosity and the risk of arrhythmias. Prior to using any adjunctive therapies, patients should consult with their cardiologist regarding potential benefits and risks derived from the use of these therapies.
Chelation increases blood flow, particularly to tiny arterioles.
Summary Congestive heart failure is a debilitating disease that is the most common cause for hospitalization in patients 65 or older. The risk factors for developing CHF are hypertension, diabetes, and other types of cardiac disease. Cardiomyopathy is a related condition in which the heart muscle is weakened or damaged. CHF and cardiomyopathy cause the heart to work much harder than normal. The goal of the various therapies used in the treatment of these diseases is to decrease the cardiac workload, reduce the risk of arrhythmias, increase cardiac function and hemodynamics, and improve the overall quality of life.