Decompensated Chronic Heart Failure Reduces Plasma L-carnitine.

The heart has an intense aerobic metabolism and is among the most metabolically active organs in the body. Its tissue stores fatty acid, the main energetic substrate, and requires high concentrations of plasma L-carnitine. This nutrient is essential in the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria to generate energy and maintain the proper concentration of coenzyme A free.

Effect of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Reverse Remodeling in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

During cardiac failure, cardiomyocytes have difficulty in using the substrates to produce energy. L-carnitine is a necessary nutrient for the transport of fatty acids that are required for generating energy. Coronary artery graft surgery reduces the plasma levels of L-carnitine and increases the oxidative stress.