Arushi Bidhuri
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Arushi Bidhuri | Published : July 21, 2021 7:55 PM IST
Heart diseases are the number one cause of mortality across the world, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, as per the data by The World Health Organisation (WHO). Heart attacks and strokes account for more than four out of every five cardiovascular deaths. Moreover, a third of these deaths occur in people under the age of 70. When a person suffers from a heart attack, the blood flow to the heart is reduced, which results in a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. The cell environment becomes acidic as a result, sending a message to the heart cells to die.
Reports suggest that no drug has been found that stops these death signals. However, a team of researchers are working on a potential drug made with spider venom to help heart attack victims.
Scientists in Australia, which is home to some of the world's most dangerous critters, have discovered something new about spider venom that they believe may lead to a new class of medications to aid heart attack sufferers. The study is testing fennel-web spiders, considered one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. They have big, strong fangs that can pierce fingernails and delicate shoes.
Researchers from the University of Queensland and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in Sydney are developing a potential drug candidate derived from spider venom that blocks the heart's "death signal," which causes heart cells to die after a heart attack.
According to the experts, there are no medications in clinical trials that can prevent the harm caused by heart attacks and this could be a life-changing discovery. According to a study published in the journal Circulation, the protein, known as Hi1a, was discovered in the venom of the Fraser Island funnel-web spider and could one day be used to treat donor hearts, allowing them to travel further distances and increasing the chances of a successful transplant, according to the researchers.
Researchers believe that this could also increase the number and quality of donor's hearts, giving hope to those on the transplant waiting list. However, Australian heart research is still in its early phases. For the study, the researchers tested the drug candidate on beating human heart cells subjected to heart attack stress to see if it increased their survival, and they hope to start human clinical trials in the next two or three years.
More heart tissue deteriorates or dies every minute after a heart attack. Quickly restoring blood flow helps to avoid heart injury. Treatment for those diagnosed with a heart attack can be complex. Common treatments available are:
Depending on your condition, your doctor will prescribe medications and appropriate treatment.
