Close X
Thursday, December 12, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Protein linked to heart attack identified

Darpan News Desk IANS, 04 Sep, 2014 08:20 AM
    A protein that increases levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also referred to as "bad" cholesterol, in the bloodstream is associated with heart attacks, says a study.
     
    Levels of the protein PCSK9 were elevated in the blood of patients having an acute heart attack, but not in those who never had a heart attack or who had recovered from one previously, the findings showed.
     
    The results were replicated in two separate groups of patients, all of whom have coronary artery disease but were not taking a cholesterol-lowering statin drug.
     
    But researchers do not yet know whether the elevated levels of PCSK9 triggers heart attack or its consequences.
     
    "The findings point to an important question: "Are PCSK9 levels elevated shortly before you get a heart attack?" asked lead researcher Alexandre Stewart, principal investigator from the Ruddy Canadian Cardiovascular Genetics Centre at the Ottawa Heart Institute.
     
    "If levels only go up after, that would suggest a side effect of the heart attack. But if they go up before, that suggests it might trigger the event, or make it worse," Stewart added.
     
    The researchers first identified the PCSK9 link to heart attacks using blood samples from patients enrolled in the Ottawa heart genomics study in Canada.
     
    They then confirmed these results with a group of patients from the Emory University in Atlanta, US.
     
    PCSK9 increases levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream by reducing the ability of liver cells to remove and destroy it.
     
    Research indicates that blocking the functions of PCSK9 may offer a new way to substantially lower LDL cholesterol.
     
    The study appeared in the journal PLOS One.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Why stress, fear trigger heart attacks

    Why stress, fear trigger heart attacks
    In a first, scientists have come up with an explanation to why a sudden shock, stress and fear may trigger heart attack and they found that multiple bacterial species living as biofilms on arterial walls could hold the key to such attacks.

    Why stress, fear trigger heart attacks

    When sperm bundle up to win fertility race

    When sperm bundle up to win fertility race
    It takes two to tango. But here, a bundle of sperm beat out other sperm in race to fertilisation!

    When sperm bundle up to win fertility race

    Human tongue has a sixth taste sense!

    Human tongue has a sixth taste sense!
    In addition to recognising sweet, sour, salty, savory (umami), and bitter tastes, your tongue has a sixth taste sense - the "sense of carbs" - that allows you to perceive carbohydrates -- the nutrients that break down into sugar and form the main source of energy.

    Human tongue has a sixth taste sense!

    Urban noise can trigger obesity, heart disease

    Urban noise can trigger obesity, heart disease
    Are you living in the vicinity of a busy highway or an airport or even a hospital? Constant noise emanating from heavy city traffic, industrial machinery, aeroplanes and loud music may leave one at a higher risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

    Urban noise can trigger obesity, heart disease

    A badly behaved dog is a man's best friend

    A badly behaved dog is a man's best friend
    Does your badly behaved dog annoy you and others quite frequently? Worry not, because your canine actually shares a stronger bond with you.

    A badly behaved dog is a man's best friend

    Now, cell phones to ring even on Antarctica

    Now, cell phones to ring even on Antarctica
    How about planning your next trip to Antarctica? No, this is not a joke as the earth's southernmost continent, with bone-chilling weather, can now boast of a "cell phone service".

    Now, cell phones to ring even on Antarctica