Daily Dose of Beetroot Juice May Benefit Seniors in Heart Failure

A new study published recently in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that seniors with heart failure benefited significantly from a daily dose of beetroot juice.  Twenty patients, over the age of 69, with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) were given a daily dose of juice prior to exercise testing.

Endurance among seniors who received a daily dose of juice improved by 24 per cent while participants given a single dose measured no benefit.   Blood pressure was also reduced in seniors who took a weekly dose of beetroot juice.  A dose of juice used in the study consisted of 2.4 ounces and resulted in no adverse reactions.

According to the American Heart Association,  nearly 6 million Americans are currently living with heart failure and that number is expected to reach 8 million by 2030.  More study is needed to determine if beetroot juice could be an alternative therapy for patients with heart disease and high blood pressure who are unable to exercise due to shortness of breath and fatigue.

To read more about the study, visit the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center website at http://www.wakehealth.edu/News-Releases/2016/Daily_Dose_of_Beetroot_Juice_Improved_Endurance_and_Blood_Pressure_in_Older_Patients_with_Common_Type_of_Heart_Disease.htm.