The Role of Ranolazine in Heart Failure-Current

Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome with a detrimental impact on mortality and morbidity. Energy substrate utilization and myocardial ion channel regulation have gained research interest especially after the introduction of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure. Ranolazine or N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-(4-[2-hydroxy-3-(2-methoxyphenoxy) propyl] piperazin-1-yl) acetamide hydrochloride is an active piperazine derivative which inhibits late sodium current thus minimizing calcium overload in the ischemic cardiomyocytes. Ranolazine also prevents fatty acid oxidation and favors glycose utilization ameliorating the energy starvation of the failing heart. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is characterized by diastolic impairment; according to the literature ranolazine could be beneficial in the management of increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, right ventricular systolic dysfunction and wall shear stress which is reflected by the high natriuretic peptides. Fewer data is evident regarding the effects of ranolazine in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and mainly support the control of the sodium-calcium exchanger and function of sarcoendo-plasmic reticulum calcium adenosine triphosphatase. Ranolazine's therapeutic mecha-nisms in myocardial ion channels and energy utilization are documented in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. Nevertheless, ranolazine might have a broader effect in the therapy of heart failure and further mechanistic research is required.(c) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Am J Cardiol 2023;209:92-103)

Automated summary

Heart failure is a detrimental clinical syndrome. Ranolazine, a medication that inhibits late sodium current and reduces calcium overload, has potential benefits in treating heart failure by improving energy utilization and ion channel regulation. Further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic mechanisms.