Effects of Chocolate on Coronary Vasomotion in Patients After Heart Transplantation

Dark chocolate contains a high amount of flavonoids. Flavonoids hold the possibilities to improve oxidative stress and hence the possibility to improve endothelium-dependent coronary vasomotion, which is a powerful surrogate for clinical prognosis. Coronary atherosclerosis is promoted by impaired endothelial function and increased platelet activation. High oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant defenses play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, in particular in transplanted hearts. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether the ingestion of a flavonoid-rich dark chocolate compared to flavonoid-free placebo chocolate will improve coronary vasomotion in heart transplanted patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients after heart transplantation not requiring immediate coronary intervention
• Age 20 - 80
• Written obtained informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Heart failure (acute or chronic >NYHA II)
• Ventricular tachy-arrythmias or AV-Block >I°
• Renal insufficiency (>200 μmol/l) or liver disease (ALT or AST >150 IU)
• Symptomatic hypotension, hypertension >160/100mmHg
• Known allergy to compounds dark chocolate
• Acute infectious disease
• Disease with systemic inflammation (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, M. Crohn)
• Participation in another study within the last month
• Concomitant vitamin supplements