January 2006
L-arginine, an over-the-counter dietary supplement, advertised as having the potential to reduce vascular stiffness actually can lead to death. Six heart attack patients died after taking L-Arginine.
A recent study of 153 heart attack sufferers found no benefit to patients taking the supplement. L-arginine did not reduce their vascular stiffness or improve the ability of the heart to pump blood. The study was cut short, only two months into the planned two year study, after six heart attack patients died.
L-arginine is also used as a treatment for hypertension, angina, heart failure, and sexual dysfunction. Heart attack patients are urged to avoid the dietary supplement.
For more information about dangerous drugs, visit the Dangerous Drug Legal Center.