The Sinatra Solution: Ejection Fraction

Several months ago, I posted a blog defining ejection fraction. I am thrilled that it has been helpful!

I recently had a blog reader asks a great question about ejection fraction and wanted to post the answer:

"I had a heart attack five years ago and a stent placed. All of my blood work is normal with good cholesterol measurements and C-RP of 1.13. I take Lipitor (20mg), Metropolis, Ramipril, and Plavix, and also [Dr. Sinatra’s] Omega Q Plus. The problem is my EF is 30-35%, with few symptoms. I exercise daily on my elliptical. What supplements or other steps can I take to improve my EF? Thanks for your support."

Dr. Sinatra’s Solution

Before looking at the supplements you asked about, I'd just like to mention that Dr. Sinatra recommends that his patients with an ejection fraction of 30 to 35 percent use walking as their primary exercise program. As a former cardiac rehab nurse, I also encourage folks—even my own dear uncle who is just recovering from a bout of congestive heart—to consider joining a Phase III Cardiac Rehab program if there is one in their area. There they can learn how to exercise safely with whatever cardiac limitations they may have. (Phase II is for those just recovering from recent heart attacks and heart surgery, whereas Phase III is for people who are more stable).

On the supplement front, Dr. Sinatra encourages people with low ejection fractions (with or without heart failure) to take what he calls his Awesome Foursome to build up ATP reserves. They include:

• CoEnzyme Q10: 100mg 3 times daily with meals
• D-Ribose: one scoop 2-3 times daily in fluids like water, tea, juice or sprinkled over your cereal or fruit
• L-Carnitine: 1 Gram 2-3 times daily on an empty stomach
• Broad spectrum magnesium: 100 mg 2-3 times a day

For more detailed discussion on Dr. Sinatra’s metabolic cardiology approaches that have worked for his patients with varying cardiac concerns—including low ejection fractions—I highly recommend that you read his book The Sinatra Solution: Metabolic Cardiology. 

For even more information on treating cardiovascular problems, visit www.drsinatra.com.