Highlights
- A protein called (CT1) can help heart pump more blood
- The protein can help remair damaged heart muscles
- The study appeared in the journal Cell Research
Experts at the University of Ottawa in Canada have found a protein called cardiotrophin 1 (CT1) that can make heart pump more blood mimicking the same response that is achieved during any strenuous physical activity or in pregnancy. The protein was also found to benefit blood flow and repaired heart damage in animal studies. Experts explain heart failure as one of the leading outcomes of a sedentary lifestyle and faulty dietary habits. When a part of the heart is damaged due to heart failure or any other cardiovascular event, the remaining muscles try to make for the damage by expanding. This change is not always functional and may not lead to adequate blood pumping. Further complications arise when the heart is not able to pump blood adequately.
"We found that CT1 causes heart muscles to grow in a more healthy way and it also stimulates blood vessel growth in the heart. This actually increases the heart's ability to pump blood, just like what you would see with exercise and pregnancy," Lynn Megeney, professor at the University of Ottawa was quoted by PTI.
The study was carried out on mice module and called for further research to establish its correlation to human health in entirety. The research can be a path-breaking step toward finding alternative ways to prevent and treat heart failure. "Currently, the only treatment for right heart failure is a transplant and left heart failure often leads to right heart failure over time," noted Duncan Stewart, professor at the University of Ottawa. The study appeared in the journal Cell Research.
One of the best ways to ensure a healthy heart is by consuming a healthy diet. Avoiding lifestyle and dietary habits that can damage your heart can a go a long way in promoting heart health. Take a look at the following points -
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Keep red meat consumption in check.
- Excessive caffeine - more than 400mg a day - can harm your heart.
- Oil-laden foods and trans-fat will trigger high cholesterol, one of the leading causes of heart ailments.
- Excessive sugar and salt intake has long been tied to triggering heart issues.
- Sleeping problems, stress and obesity are also some of the perpetrators of heart diseases.
Inputs from PTI