Why do athletes use trimetazidine?

Trimetazidine Uses

What does trimetazidine do for athletes?

The drug is currently listed as a “metabolic modulator” and WADA prohibits athletes from using the drug in or out of competition. A shift in how the body uses energy could give athletes an edge in competitions by lessening their altitude fatigue and increasing their cardiovascular fitness (Biomed. Pharmacother.

Does trimetazidine improve athletic performance?

European health authorities recommend that patients with heart failure take trimetazidine alongside a suite of other drugs. Very limited evidence suggests that trimetazidine might improve athletic ability, possibly by easing recovery after physical exertion or reducing molecular stress from free radicals.

Why would you take trimetazidine?

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a medication used to treat heart-related conditions like angina. It helps metabolize fatty acids, which helps your body use oxygen. The drug allows for more blood flow to your heart and limits quick changes in your blood pressure. This can help lessen chest pain from blocked blood vessels.

What does TMZ do for athletes?

It's currently categorised as "hormone and metabolic modulator", which is illegal for athletes to use both in-and out-of-competition. It's believed that TMZ can improve physical efficiency, especially in the case of endurance sports, although opinions vary on how long-lasting the effect could be.

Is trimetazidine illegal?

It is listed in the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) 2021 prohibited substances under the category of "hormone and metabolic modulators," a class of drugs that have been banned by WADA due to evidence of athletes using them for performance enhancement.

What drug did the Russian figure skater test positive for?

The 15-year-old athlete tested positive in December for trimetazidine, a drug typically prescribed to much older patients suffering from angina and other heart-related conditions. But the violation didn't come to light until after Valieva placed first in the first part of the individual competition.

Can trimetazidine lower BP?

Unlike conventional drugs, trimetazidine exerts no effect on coronary flow, contractility, blood pressure, or heart rate.

Is trimetazidine a beta blocker?

Despite efficacy being equivalent to that of beta-blockers and calcium antagonists, trimetazidine does not depress cardiac function and, correspondingly, is not contraindicated in any condition. Adverse effects of trimetazidine are mild and infrequent.

Is trimetazidine safe?

Trimetazidine Adverse Drug Reactions

Trimetazidine has been generally very well tolerated in clinical trials and usually only isolated cases of adverse events (ADRs—adverse drug reactions) were observed during trimetazidine treatment (mainly gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, nausea) [61].

Why is trimetazidine banned in the United States?

Since 2014, it has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited substances and is categorized as a "hormone and metabolic modulator." This is illegal for athletes to use both in and out of competition as it can increase blood flow efficiency and improve endurance.

What does heart medication do for athletes?

The drug is intended to improve blood and oxygen flow to the heart and helps it work more efficiently. Some health experts believe the drug could allow elite athletes to train harder and build endurance, giving them an unfair advantage.

Is trimetazidine good for the heart?

Trimetazidine has been shown to enhance cardiac function by modulating cardiomyocyte autophagy. Indeed, administration of trimetazidine in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats was shown to enhance cardiomyocyte autophagy and improve cardiac function (Zhang et al., 2016).

Does trimetazidine lower heart rate?

The dose of trimetazidine does not affect hemodynamic stability, heart rate, blood pressure and speed-pressure multiplication, and it exerts no negative inotropic effect.

How long should I take trimetazidine?

Conclusion: Treatment with trimetazidine added to the usual treatment for up to 18 months was well tolerated and induced a functional improvement in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Trimetazidine treatment was associated with a significant improvement of left ventricular function and the remodelling process.

What happens if you stop taking trimetazidine?

Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. If you stop taking your medication, you may experience a worsening of your condition. This medicine should be taken with or after food.

What is an angina heart?

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It's not usually life threatening, but it's a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke. With treatment and healthy lifestyle changes, it's possible to control angina and reduce the risk of these more serious problems.

What did the 15 year old skater test positive for?

Valieva was tested at her national championship on Dec. 25. The positive result for the banned angina drug trimetazidine wasn't revealed until Feb. 8, after she had already competed at the Beijing Games in the team event.

Why do figure skaters have stuffed animals?

It turns out there's actually a pretty practical explanation for why skating fans hurl teddy bears and other plush toys at competitors: They're soft enough to toss onto the ice without damaging it and causing a safety hazard for the skaters. Throwing things onto the ice wasn't always the norm.

Is trimetazidine FDA approved?

In a PET study, trimetazidine modestly decreased myocardial fatty acid oxidation without changing overall oxygen consumption, implying but not proving an increase in glucose oxidation. However, trimetazidine has limited availability and is not FDA approved for use in the United States.

What does Yuzuru Hanyu do with all the Pooh bears?

At the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, international media described Hanyu as being showered with Pooh bears every time he skated. Since the skater cannot take home all of the stuffed animals, he has donated them to local charities and other organizations to bring joy to children in various countries.

Why do figure skaters wear tights over skates?

Because skaters can trip over their own laces. And having tights cover the laces removes that potential snafu, which would cost a competitor a medal. Some skaters also wear tights over skates for the same reason women might wear nude-colored high heels: It creates the illusion of longer legs.

Are female skaters allowed to wear black skates?

Boys and men almost always skate in black figure skating boots, and girls and women generally wear white. The reasons for this may seem odd, but the gender-specific color of figure skates has a long history in this elegant sport, dating back nearly a century to one of figure skating's greatest stars.