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A new discovery will help scientists develop effective medications for arrhythmia

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
 
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13 January 2015, 09:00

A group of scientists from the Washington Research Center found that proteins, also called ion channels, can help in creating new-generation drugs to treat arrhythmia.  

In the process of research, experts have revealed that such proteins produce electrical signals of the heart differently than previously thought.

The normal rhythm of the heart depends on the well-coordinated work of the ion channels, which open the way for charged ions crossing the membrane. In other words, the voltage created by the membrane signals the need to pass charged ions.

Specialists have determined that the charge of the membrane in one of the channels signals not only the need for opening, but also for closing. This channel is extremely important for normal heart rhythm. There are more than 250 mutations of the canal, which were earlier attributed to arrhythmia. It is extremely difficult to create medications to normalize the heart rhythm without understanding the principle of the channel, so specialists suggest that their discovery can help in the development of new effective drugs for the treatment of arrhythmia.

Cardiovascular diseases are on the first place among the most dangerous diseases in the modern world. To reduce the risk of heart disease and blood vessels, experts recommend a healthy lifestyle, exercise.

But for those who for one reason or another are not able to perform intensive physical exercises, experts recommend yoga.

At one of the universities of Rotterdam, scientists conducted an analysis of about 40 studies, in which 3000 thousand people participated. As a result, experts came to the conclusion that after exercising yoga, pressure is normalized and cholesterol is lowered. 

Yoga is an ancient complex of exercises that focus on the concentration, breathing and flexibility of the body. There are many types of yoga known - Ashtanga, Hatha, Tantric. 

But yoga exercises can not replace two and a half hours of moderate aerobic exercise, which are extremely useful for maintaining the heart and blood vessels. Rather, yoga can be attributed to power exercises that should be performed at least twice a week.

Experts have determined that yoga is marked by significant advantages in comparison with the total lack of physical activity. It helps reduce the risk of obesity, lowers cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure. The beneficial effect of yoga on the general condition of the heart and blood vessels can be compared to the effect of shuffling or walking at a fast pace.

Now scientists can not say exactly what is the cause of the positive effect of yoga on the cardiovascular system. By some assumptions, doing yoga reduces stress levels and has a calming effect that increases the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases. Also, breathing exercises help enrich the body with oxygen, which in turn leads to lower blood pressure.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

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