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New discovery will help scientists develop effective drugs for arrhythmias
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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A team of scientists from the Washington Research Center have discovered that proteins, also called ion channels, can help create a new generation of drugs for the treatment of arrhythmia.
During the research, experts discovered that these proteins produce electrical signals of the heart differently than previously thought.
Normal heart rhythm depends on the coordinated work of ion channels, which allow charged ions to cross the membrane. In other words, the voltage created by the membrane signals the need to let charged ions through.
Experts have found that the membrane charge in one of the channels signals not only the need to open, but also to close. This channel is extremely important for normal heart rhythm. More than 250 mutations of the channel are known, which were previously attributed to arrhythmia. It is extremely difficult to create drugs to normalize heart rhythm without understanding the principle of the channel, so experts suggest that their discovery will help in the development of new effective drugs for the treatment of arrhythmia.
Cardiovascular diseases are the most dangerous diseases in the modern world. To reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, experts recommend leading a healthy lifestyle and playing sports.
But for those who, for one reason or another, are unable to perform intense physical exercise, experts recommend yoga.
At one of the universities in Rotterdam, scientists analyzed about 40 studies involving 3,000 people. As a result, specialists came to the conclusion that after yoga classes, blood pressure normalizes and cholesterol decreases.
Yoga is an ancient set of exercises that focus on concentration, breathing, and body flexibility. There are many types of yoga – Ashtanga, Hatha, Tantric.
But yoga classes are not able to replace two and a half hours of moderate aerobic exercise, which is extremely useful for maintaining the heart and blood vessels. Rather, yoga can be classified as a strength exercise that should be performed at least twice a week.
Experts have determined that yoga has significant advantages compared to no physical activity at all. It helps reduce the risk of obesity, lowers cholesterol, and 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 jogging or walking at a fast pace.
Currently, scientists cannot say exactly what causes the positive effect of yoga on the cardiovascular system. According to some assumptions, yoga classes reduce stress levels and have a calming effect, which increases the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases. Also, breathing exercises help enrich the body with oxygen, which in turn leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
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