Study: Cardiac Deaths peak in Morning and Evening

A new study published in the journal “Nature” has found that protein levels in our body control the fluctuation of heart rhythm throughout the day.  This protein has been identified as kruppel- like factor 15 (Klf15). Our body clock (circadian rhythm) controls this protein and its level fluctuates during the day. The klf-15 protein affects the ion channels, which are responsible for controlling heartbeats. This changing chemistry of body massively affects one’s health.

Researchers have found an anwer to how the time can influence the risk of sudden cardiac death in mice, which is a worldwide health issue.  Study was carried out on genetically modified mice in which there was an excess production of klf-15 and in some, there was no production of klf-15. Both types had an elevated risk of developing cardiac problems.

According to a professor from Case Western Reserve University school of Medicine, this study has identified the unknown system, which causes electrical instability of the heart. He further added that the study has provided with the observation of variation of arrhythmia susceptibility. This insight into the variation mechanism can be effectively advanced by identification of the specific timing and precipitants of arrhythmia.

It is a fact that the human heart and heart of mouse function differently, therefore, the existence of the same mechanism in humans has to be analysed. Another fellow researcher in the study thinks that the further assessment of constant problems in people suffering from cardiovascular diseases might help in developing more innovative and advanced ways to find diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

The research work aims to develop medicines, which will act on the most vulnerable stage such as very slow release of blood pressure medicines early in the morning. The medicine, which researchers will develop, would act on this stage when the person is at the highest risk of cardiac attack due to slow release of blood pressure medicine.