Washington: Scientists have discovered how
to stop the brain sending "stress signals" to the heart, which
raises the pulse rate and causes abnormal electrical activity
leading to sudden death, without the use of beta-blockers.
The signals can cause cardiac arrhythmias and sudden
death. An estimated three million people die each year from
sudden cardiac death worldwide but it is not known how many of
those deaths are due to stress-induced arrhythmias.
Now, an international team, led by Dr Eugene Nalivaiko
of University of Newcastle, has used a specific class of drugs
called serotonin-1A agonists to suppress stress signals, which
travel from the brain to spinal cord and then to the heart.
And, according to the scientists, the new drugs are
more efficient than beta-blockers at stopping stress-induced
heart problems.
Dr Nalivaiko said: "Currently, the only drugs used to
prevent heart overactivity are beta-blockers, which are not
effective in many patients.
"The long-term use of beta-blockers may also cause
side-effects. Our research goes a long way in developing an
effective alternative to beta-blockers that can help prevent
stress-induced heart conditions."
Bureau Report
