Monday, February 9, 2015

Two Mutations On The DBH Gene Identified As Heart Attack Suppressants



Two mutations on a single gene were found to effectively lower the risk of heart attacks. The mutations were found on the DBH gene, which regulates an enzyme that is involved in converting dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which are chemical messengers and hormones. Norepinephrine over stimulates the heart, which can increase the risk of heart attacks. The mutations independently do not affect the gene enough to cause any noticeable results however when the two interact, the DBH gene is reduced. This leaves the body in conditions that protect against heart attacks.
            Patients were examined and it was found that those who carry the two variants were two to five times less likely to suffer a heart attack. Only 20% of the population was found to carry these two mutations. This information will help physicians to better confront heart issues. Beta Blockers are generally used to lower risks of heart attacks however the 20% of the population that carry these two mutations may not benefit from them. In fact, Beta Blockers could cause more issues elsewhere for the patient. Our bodies need norepinephrine in order to keep airways open, and lack of the hormone may cause asthma in patients.
            This article presents vital information on how to treat those who may be at risk for heart attacks. Without the knowledge of these two mutations and their affects, patients who already have heart issues but are then prescribed beta blockers may not benefit from the treatment and may in fact end up sicker than they originally began.  The goal of the patients treatment is to affectively prevent heart attacks with as few side affects as possible, and the possibility of causing asthma to arise in an individual who would not have otherwise had asthma seems careless. Patients should be screened for these two mutations on the DBH gene, and if they are present the patient should be given another form of treatment if possible.



1 comment:

  1. Screening for the mutations in patients reminds me about Obama's push for precision medicine, which would help specialize treatment for people. My father suffered a heart attack at a very young age so this is interesting to me that beta blockers could be doing more harm than good for those with the mutations. I definitely would like to see more information about this as this opens more opportunities to be more specific in patient care.

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