21 February 2012
A new mathematical model of the human heart could help people to thwart the effects of many heart problems.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have come up with a design of the calcium activity within the atrial heart cell.
These muscle cells are located deep inside the smaller chambers of the heart and come into effect when a body needs to work harder.
However, their health relies on specific concentrations of cellular calcium, with the University of Nottingham research - published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – giving people more insight into the muscle cells' condition.
Dr Rudiger Thul, a lecturer in applied mathematics in the School of Mathematical Sciences, therefore suggested: "This has the potential to point to new treatments for heart disease and irregular heart beat such as atrial fibrillation, which can lead to thrombosis and stroke."
The Boston Medical Centre recently conducted its own study which highlighted that the risk of someone suffering a stroke could be linked to the strength of their grip.
Posted by Edward Bartel
Health News is provided by Adfero in collaboration with Spire Healthcare. Please note that all copy above is ©Adfero Ltd. and does not reflect views or opinions of Spire Healthcare unless explicitly stated. Additional comments on the page from individual Spire consultants do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of other consultants or Spire Healthcare.