The heart is probably the busiest organ in our body, and it has to pump blood throughout the day. An average heart beats about 100000 times per day.
Not Just Your Bones, Your Heart Also Needs Calcium
Due to some health conditions, the flow of blood to the heart region can get affected, leading to health complications. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to restore proper blood circulation to the heart region.
According to the latest study, scientists found the gene mutation that was responsible for dilated cardiomyopathy, which is an incurable heart condition. This gene is responsible for the supply of calcium ions to the heart region, which in turn keeps the pumping action intact.
The scientists were able to modify the gene through proper therapy and restore the movement of calcium ions in the heart region. This can prevent several cases of heart failure.
When the heart can no longer pump blood efficiently, it leads to heart failure. A heart transplant is the only way to save such patients. Millions of people succumb to this condition every year around the world. When the pumping action of the heart is compromised, it leads to various health complications, and it can prove fatal in most cases.
DCM happens due to ineffective pumping action by the heart muscles. It was believed that genetic mutation was the main reason for this condition. The research team was able to identify the BAG5 as the gene that is responsible for this condition. Individuals who have this gene mutation are likely to develop heart conditions in the future.
The research was done on mice to prove that BAG5 disturbs the ability of the body to handle Calcium in the heart region leading to ineffective pumping action. It is important to understand at this stage that calcium ions maintain the regular heart rhythm in the body. If the calcium supply to the heart region is affected due to BAG5 mutation, it often leads to DCM.
Scientists were able to use gene therapy in order to fix the mutated gene and restore heart function to normal. The experts believe that further research in this direction may open doors for new possibilities that can avoid heart transplantation in the long run.
For this reason, it is important to have a healthy diet that is rich in Calcium and other minerals. Eating a healthy meal that has the right proteins, vitamins and minerals will help the body to function in a normal manner for several years. In this way, the blood circulation will be normal, and the organs can function without much stress daily.
It is also important to stay away from harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco as this can lead to heart problems in the long run. Even though they may not affect the heart directly, they lead to various health problems like inflammation, blood pressure, and diabetes, which in turn can impact the normal functioning of the heart.
Excessive smoking can cause blood pressure issues that put a direct load on the heart muscles. When this happens for many years, it can lead to heart attack and other problems.
In the same manner, alcohol consumption affects the metabolism and often leads to liver and kidney problems. All these things mean that the blood cannot be purified properly in the body, which leads to blockage in the heart region.
Yet another important factor to consider is exercise, which keeps the body flexible and healthy for many years. It reduces the problems associated with obesity and diabetes to a large extent and improves blood circulation throughout the body.
