Heart attack: New insights into the risk of arrhythmias!

Heart attack: New insights into the risk of arrhythmias!

The connection between electrical and mechanical processes in the heart is of central importance for the cardiovascular system. However, this connection is significantly disrupted by a heart attack, which can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. A team of researchers led by Prof. Dr. Peter Kohl from the University Heart Center Freiburg has found in a new study that the connection between electrical excitation and mechanical relaxation, which scientists call repolarization-relaxation coupling, is crucial for understanding cardiac arrhythmias after a heart attack. These disorders can arise because the heart is not filled with enough blood as a result of the infarction and does not pump enough blood.

The study, which was carried out in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Alex Quinn of Dalhousie University not only describes the molecular changes after a heart attack, but also identifies potential therapies. It has been proven that the duration of electrical excitation in the heart is shortened, which means that mechanical processes cannot occur synchronously. Unexpected mechanical stress can then trigger electrical misfires.

Consequences of a heart attack: cardiac arrhythmias and more

The acute consequences of a heart attack are serious. Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, especially ventricular fibrillation, are the most common complication. These can even result in loss of consciousness if the brain does not receive sufficient blood flow. Rapid intervention, preferably within the first four hours after the heart attack, can help prevent irreversible damage to the heart muscle and enable a return to normal life. Alerting the emergency services quickly can therefore be crucial in protecting the heart from permanent damage, as the Heart Foundation reports.

The treatment of cardiac arrhythmias is a central health policy concern in Germany. According to the German Heart Foundation, these are among the ten most common causes of death in the country. In 2021, over 447,000 people required hospitalization for cardiac arrhythmias, and over 28,000 died as a result of these disorders. Long-term heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart failure are common precursors to dangerous arrhythmias, which, as noted, can also be caused by genetic disorders or myocarditis.

Research progress and future perspectives

The researchers at the University Heart Center Freiburg have already achieved promising results in the laboratory. The therapeutic approaches identified include blocking certain ion channels, buffering calcium and reducing oxygen radicals. These measures could help to significantly reduce the development of arrhythmias in future treatment approaches. The next steps in research include studies on larger animal models and the targeted testing of suitable active ingredients in order to further develop therapy options.

The German Heart Foundation and related specialist societies are committed to the early detection and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Its goal is to prevent avoidable long-term physical and psychological consequences as well as life-threatening complications resulting from heart disease. The findings from the current study could make a significant contribution to the development of new drugs that reduce the risk of dangerous arrhythmias after a heart attack, says Dr. Breanne A. Cameron, the study's lead author.