Ask the Doctor – April 2008
Dr. Zoltan P. Rona, MD, M.Sc. April 1, 2008Does L-arginine cause heart attacks?
Dear Dr. Rona,
I read your excellent article in Vitality this month where you recommend L-arginine as a supplement for testosterone supplements. However the bottle of capsules 500MG prohibits use if a patient has had a heart attack. I had one in 1988 and have since had a bypass. Would you still recommend L-arginine? – M
Dear M,
L-arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide, a substance that improves circulation by dilating the arteries. By doing so, it reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure and improves insulin sensitivity. It’s vasodilatation effects makes L-arginine a good alternative to the erectile dysfunction drug, Viagra.
L-arginine also is known for its ability to raise growth hormone levels thus providing anti-aging benefits such as the reduction of adipose tissue and the increase of muscle mass. L-arginine improves immune function and reduces the healing time for injuries. It also improves sperm counts and sperm mobility, thereby alleviating male infertility problems.
The issue of L-arginine causing deaths in previous heart attack victims was brought up in the Jan. 4, 2008 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. This was a surprising finding given that L-arginine helps enhance circulation, improving coronary artery blood flow. Viagra, the prescription drug that mimics L-arginine, probably causes heart attacks by a similar mechanism.
In this study, all of the subjects were elderly heart attack patients and were using various prescription drugs. While the addition of L-arginine to the treatment protocols may have led to the sudden deaths, there is nothing in this study that would indicate that L-arginine used alone without prescription cardiac drugs poses any danger for healthy individuals without heart disease.
If you have had a heart attack in the past, I would not risk using L-arginine at this time. Further study of this supplement is indeed warranted to establish safety guidelines for those who are in your situation.
– ZR
Email your letters to letters@vitalitymagazine.com. Visit Dr. Zoltan Rona’s website at www.mydoctor.ca/drzoltanrona
Dr. Zoltan P. Rona, MD, M.Sc.
Dr. Zoltan P. Rona is a graduate of McGill University Medical School (1977) and has a Masters Degree in Biochemistry and Clinical Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut (1984). He is the author of 11 books on natural medicine – three of which are Canadian bestsellers, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Health-Zoltan-Rona/dp/0888821301">The Joy of Health (1991)</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Return-Joy-Health-Alternative-Complaints/dp/0920470629/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Return+to+the+Joy+of+Health+%281995%29&qid=1581538703&s=books&sr=1-1">Return to the Joy of Health (1995)</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Childhood-Illness-Allergy-Connection-Nutritional/dp/076150611X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=Childhood+Illness+and+The+Allergy+Connection+%281997%29&qid=1581538770&s=books&sr=1-1-fkmr0">Childhood Illness and The Allergy Connection (1997)</a>. He is co-author with Jeanne Marie Martin of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Candida-Guidebook-Jeanne-1996-06-15/dp/B01K90OQ8M/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Complete+Candida+Yeast+Guidebook+%281996%29&qid=1581538837&s=books&sr=1-1">The Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook (1996)</a> and is medical editor of the Benjamin Franklin Award-winning <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Encyclopedia-natural-healing-authoritative-alternative/dp/0920470750">Encyclopedia of Natural Healing (1998)</a>. He has had a private medical practice in Toronto for the past 42 years, has appeared on radio and TV as well as lectured extensively in Canada and the U.S. Visit his <a href="https://highlevelwellness.ca/">website</a> for appointments, call (905) 764-8700; Office: 390 Steeles Ave. W. Unit 19, Thornhill, ON
Dear Doctor Rona,
Just inquiring which vitamin should be taken to prevent hair lossfrom chemotherapy.
Thanking you for your answer.