Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Why stress, fear trigger heart attacks

Darpan News Desk IANS, 11 Jun, 2014 11:25 AM
    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.
     
    Hormones released during these events appear to cause bacterial biofilms on arterial walls to disperse, allowing plaque deposits to rupture into the bloodstream, the findings showed.
     
    Because the biofilms are closely bound to arterial plaque, the dispersal of a biofilm could cause sudden release of the surrounding arterial plaque, triggering a heart attack.
     
    "Our hypothesis fitted with the observation that heart attack and stroke often occur following an event where elevated levels of catecholamine hormones are released into the blood and tissues, such as occurs during sudden emotional shock or stress, sudden exertion or over-exertion," said David Davies of Binghamton University in the US.
     
    The researchers isolated and cultured different species of bacteria from diseased carotid arteries that had been removed from patients with atherosclerosis.
     
    Their results showed multiple bacterial species living as biofilms in the walls of every atherosclerotic (plaque-covered) carotid artery tested.
     
    The researchers added norepinephrine, at a level that would be found in the body following stress or exertion, to biofilms formed on the inner walls of silicone tubing.
     
    "At least one species of bacteria - Pseudomonas aeruginosa - commonly associated with carotid arteries in our studies, was able to undergo a biofilm dispersion response when exposed to norepinephrine, a hormone responsible for the fight-or-flight response in humans," Davies stated.
     
    This research suggests that management of bacteria within an arterial plaque lesion may be as important as managing cholesterol.
     
    The study was published in the journal mBio.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Blonde or Brunette - single DNA change can decide hair colour

    Blonde or Brunette - single DNA change can decide hair colour
    To get a blonde look, you soon may not need to visit a hair clinic or a specialist barber. A single-letter change in the genetic code is enough to generate blonde hair in humans, fascinating research shows.

    Blonde or Brunette - single DNA change can decide hair colour

    Speaking two languages keeps brain's ageing at bay

    Speaking two languages keeps brain's ageing at bay
    If you speak more languages than one, it is good not only for your social image but also for the health of your brain, a research said.

    Speaking two languages keeps brain's ageing at bay

    Can't avoid salty meal? Blame your genes

    Can't avoid salty meal? Blame your genes
    Even though you may risk hypertension and heart disease but can't do without that extra pinch of salt in your meal, blame it on your genes for a gene related to taste pathways could be conspiring against you, researchers have found.

    Can't avoid salty meal? Blame your genes

    Coffee can cheer you up, but affect mood too

    Coffee can cheer you up, but affect mood too
    Whether it’s a latte on the way to work or an espresso to get through the afternoon slump, coffee has become a routine formula for several youths. However, think twice before sipping on it as it can also have some side effects.

    Coffee can cheer you up, but affect mood too

    Negative social talks trigger hypertension in women

    Negative social talks trigger hypertension in women
    If you want to keep away from hypertension, avoid negative interpersonal interactions. Unpleasant or demanding interpersonal encounters increase hypertension risk among older adults, especially women, new research warns.

    Negative social talks trigger hypertension in women

    Beware, some low-fat foods may trick you on calorie intake

    Beware, some low-fat foods may trick you on calorie intake
    Do you often opt for low-calorie food to shed some extra kilos? This may stun you: New research reveals some low-fat foods actually have more calories than regular food - owing to added sugars.

    Beware, some low-fat foods may trick you on calorie intake