Nutritional and Nutraceutical Support to the Failing Myocardium: A Possible Way of Potentiating the Current Treatment of Heart Failure

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Nov 14;25(22):12232. doi: 10.3390/ijms252212232.

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a complex condition that affects 1-2% of the global population. The presence of comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or obesity has been shown in various studies to elevate mortality and hospitalization rates in HF patients. Insufficient outcomes persist in HF, necessitating additional research to address unmet needs in disease management. Lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation, decreased alcohol consumption, regular exercise, cardiac rehabilitation, and a balanced diet, can prevent and treat a wide range of HF cases. In this review, we aimed to examine how lifestyle changes, nutrition, and nutraceutical supplements can play a role in preventing heart failure and supporting its treatment. A detailed and comprehensive analysis of the most recent data present in the literature could help identify potential candidates for future clinical trials in HF management. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the importance of closely monitoring nutritional balance, including micronutrients and nutraceuticals, in HF patients for better symptom management and outcomes. Despite promising results from initial approaches, the lack of conclusive evidence from recent studies and meta-analyses questions the widespread use of nutraceutical supplementation in HF patients. Further studies are necessary to determine the most effective way to use nutraceutical supplementation in the treatment of myocardial dysfunction in HF patients.

Keywords: heart failure; lifestyle modifications; nutraceutical supplementation; phytochemical derivatives.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Heart Failure* / diet therapy
  • Heart Failure* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Life Style