Relation of functional capacity with the oxidative stress and antioxidants in chronic heart failure.

Chronic heart failure is a common, disabling disorder with high mortality. Oxidative stress may have both functional and structural effects on the myocardium, leading to myocardial decompensation. In this study, the authors examined the relationship of oxidative stress and functional capacity in patients with varying degrees of heart failure. Fifty-one patients with chronic heart failure and 31 control subjects were studied. The functional capacity of patients was determined. Plasma malondialdehyde, vitamin E, and beta-carotene levels were measured. The malondialdehyde levels were significantly different between control subjects and heart failure patients (p=0.03). There was a positive correlation between patients' malondialdehyde levels and New York Heart Association functional class (r=0.59; p<0.0001). There was a negative correlation between the functional class and vitamin E and beta-carotene levels (r=20.43; p<0.0001 and r=20.25; p<0.01, respectively). These data demonstrate that oxidative stress is increased systemically in patients with chronic heart failure. It seems that this increase correlates with functional class. (c)2001 CHF, Inc.