British researchers are studying whether an existing drug could save thousands of lives a year by preventing morning heart attacks.

It has long been known that heart attacks are most likely to occur first thing in the morning and can be most severe.

Many of these are caused by a life-threatening condition called ventricular arrhythmia, in which the heart beats at an abnormal rhythm. It is thought to be responsible for up to 80% of the 70,000 sudden cardiac deaths in England and Wales each year.

But scientists have discovered what triggers the development of this deadly arrhythmia and discovered that drugs can block the process. Professor James Leiper, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the research, said the study was “exciting” and “explores new treatment options that can reduce arrhythmias in those most at risk. There is a possibility that it can be done.”

It has long been known that heart attacks are most likely to occur first thing in the morning and can be most severe (stock image)

Scientists have discovered that a drug can block the process that causes the development of deadly arrhythmias (stock image)

A research team led by Dr Alicia D’Souza from Imperial College London and Mark Boyett, emeritus professor at the University of Bradford, found that the stress hormone cortisol naturally peaks in the morning and binds to heart cells, causing changes. discovered. Electrical signals that control the beating of our hearts.

In a healthy heart, this does not cause problems. However, in a diseased heart, it leads to the development of dangerous ventricular arrhythmias.

When the researchers injected the mice with a drug called RU486, which blocks cortisol from binding to heart cells, these electrical changes did not occur.

This drug is already used to treat Cushing’s syndrome, where the body produces too much cortisol. Patients often experience increased fat in the chest and abdomen and a red, swollen face.

Dr. D’Souza said, “We have long known that our natural circadian rhythm, or ‘body clock,’ causes cortisol levels to peak in the morning. Additionally, ventricular arrhythmias are more likely to occur in the morning. Now we know that the two are related.

“Surprisingly, when we used a drug that blocked the effects of cortisol on heart cells in mice, the mice were less likely to have arrhythmias in the morning.”

The research team now plans to replicate these findings in human hearts. Professor Boyett said: “If we and others can develop drugs based on our discoveries, we could save thousands of lives.”