Cardiogen Improves Exercise Tolerance and Cardiac Function in Heart Failure Patients
Arutyunov G.P., Kostin V.I., Rylova A.K.
Russian State Medical University
European Journal of Heart Failure 16(8): 892-899
Abstract
Chronic heart failure (CHF) affects millions and has limited treatment options beyond standard medications. This study evaluated Cardiogen (cardiac peptide complex) as adjunct therapy. A total of 156 patients with CHF (NYHA class II-III, LVEF 30-45%) received either standard therapy plus Cardiogen (20mg orally twice daily for 60 days, n=78) or standard therapy alone (n=78). Primary endpoint was change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) at 60 days. The Cardiogen group showed significant improvement in 6MWD (+68.3±24.2m vs. +28.7±19.3m in controls, p<0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from 37.2±5.8% to 44.1±6.7% (+6.9%) in Cardiogen group vs. minimal change in controls (37.8±6.1% to 39.2±6.3%, +1.4%, p<0.001). NT-proBNP levels decreased 38% in treatment group vs. 12% in controls. NYHA functional class improved in 71% of Cardiogen patients vs. 34% controls. Quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) improved significantly. Echocardiography revealed improved diastolic function and reduced left atrial volume.
Study Population
CHF patients (age 52-75 years), NYHA class II-III, LVEF 30-45%, stable on optimal medical therapy ≥3 months, no recent MI
The Challenge
Chronic heart failure progressively weakens the heart's pumping ability. Despite modern medications, many patients remain symptomatic and functionally limited.
Study Design
Patients with moderately reduced heart function received Cardiogen in addition to their standard medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, etc.).
Results
Exercise Capacity
The 6-minute walk test - a gold standard functional assessment - showed Cardiogen patients improved:
- 2.4x more than controls (+68m vs. +29m)
This represents a clinically meaningful enhancement in daily function.
Heart Pumping Strength
Echocardiography revealed LVEF (ejection fraction) increased by 6.9% - a substantial improvement. Many patients moved from "moderately reduced" to "mildly reduced" EF category.
Biomarker Reduction
NT-proBNP (the key heart failure biomarker) decreased by 38% in Cardiogen patients vs. only 12% in controls, indicating genuine cardiac improvement.
Symptom Relief
71% of Cardiogen patients improved functionally (moved down a NYHA class) compared to only 34% of controls - representing major quality of life gains.
Cardiac Remodeling
Echo showed favorable reverse remodeling:
- Improved diastolic function
- Reduced left atrial size
- Better filling patterns
Significance
Cardiogen appears to enhance cardiac contractility and promote reverse remodeling beyond standard therapy, offering a potential adjunctive treatment for heart failure.
Statistical Results
6MWD improvement: Cardiogen +68.3±24.2m vs. control +28.7±19.3m (p<0.001). LVEF increase: +6.9% vs. +1.4% (p<0.001). NT-proBNP reduction: -38% vs. -12% (p<0.01). NYHA class improvement: 71% vs. 34% (p<0.0001). MLHFQ score: -18.3 points vs. -7.2 points (p<0.001).
Study Limitations
- •Non-randomized design
- •Relatively short treatment duration (60 days)
- •Single-center study
- •Mechanism of cardiac improvement unclear
- •No hard endpoints (mortality, hospitalization) assessed
Adverse Events
- •Mild dyspepsia (5.1%)
- •No serious adverse events
- •No drug interactions with standard CHF medications
- •Well tolerated
Key Findings
- ✓Major improvement in exercise capacity
- ✓Increased cardiac ejection fraction
- ✓Dramatic NT-proBNP reduction
- ✓Functional class improvement in majority
- ✓Favorable cardiac remodeling
Mechanism of Action
Enhancement of cardiomyocyte protein synthesis, improvement of mitochondrial function, reduction of oxidative stress, and promotion of cardiac contractility.