EXISTING HEART DRUG COULD CURE EBOLA

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have made a breakthrough that can lead to a cure for the deadly Ebola virus currently sweeping through West Africa, media reports said.

The university has said the experts stumbled across an existing drug used in the treatment of severe heart disease, which could be adapted to fight the contagious Ebola virus, Xinhua reported Saturday.

A team from the Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging Infections, based at the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection and Global Health, have been investigating new ways to treat Ebola.

In collaboration with Public Health England, the team has been looking at how Ebola virus hijacks proteins inside cells, and then seeking ways to stop this from happening.

They looked at what proteins inside a cell are critical for the functions of Ebola virus and are hijacked by the virus to help with infection.

One of the proteins they have targeted is known as VP24. This protein disrupts signalling in infected human cells and disrupts the body’s immune system and the fight against the virus.

From there, the Liverpool team looked at whether any existing drugs already block the function of this particular protein. They found the heart drug ouabain, when administered, can reduce the virus’ replication.

The team said further tests need to be done, but as the heart drug is already in use, much of the work to test whether it is safe for humans has already been completed.

This, they said, would potentially speed up the time it could take get the treatment to Ebola patients in need.

The study was led by Julian Hiscox from the university’s Institute of Infection and Global Health and Roger Hewson at Public Health England.

“This study shows how existing therapeutics can be identified and potentially repurposed for anti-viral therapy. The technique of using existing and tested drugs for a different purpose can save considerable time and ultimately, lives,” Xinhua quoted Hiscox as saying.

The Ebola outbreak, by far the largest in the nearly 40-year history of the disease, has infected 4,269 people and killed 2,400 this year in three West African countries, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, according to the WHO.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR HEART PALPITATIONS

Heart palpitations are the feelings of having rapid, fluttering or pounding heart. Heart palpitations can be triggered by stress, exercise, medication or, rarely, a medical condition.

Although heart palpitations can be worrisome, they're usually harmless. In rare cases, heart palpitations can be a symptom of a more serious heart condition, such as an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), that may require treatment.

Causes- Often the cause of your heart palpitations can't be found. Common causes of heart palpitations include:

·         Strong emotional responses, such as stress or anxiety

·         Strenuous exercise

·         Caffeine

·         Nicotine

·         Fever

·         Hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy or menopause

·         Taking cold and cough medications that contain pseudoephedrine, a stimulant

·         Taking some asthma inhaler medications that contain stimulants

Occasionally heart palpitations can be a sign of a serious problem, such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Arrhythmias may include very fast heart rates (tachycardia), unusually slow heart rates (bradycardia) or an irregular heart rhythm.

Symptoms-- Heart palpitations can feel like your heart is:

·         Skipping beats

·         Fluttering

·         Beating too fast

·         Pumping harder than usual

You may feel heart palpitations in your throat or neck, as well as your chest. Heart palpitations can occur whether you're active or at rest, and whether you're standing, seated or lying down.

Risk factors--You may be at risk of developing palpitations if you:

·         Are highly stressed

·         Have an anxiety disorder or regularly experience panic attacks

·         Are pregnant

·         Take medicines that contain stimulants, such as some cold or asthma medications

·         Have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

·         Have other heart problems, such as an arrhythmia, heart defect or previous heart attack

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

ACONITUM NAPELLS 30- Aconite is the ideal Homeopathic remedy for Palpitations due to sudden fright and anxiety. Along with palpitations, restlessness, anxiety and increased thirst for cold water may also be present.

ABIES CANADENSIS 30- Abies Can is the best remedy for palpitations from gastric problems. It suited when overeating is followed by a bloated abdomen with a burning stomach and Palpitations.

AMYELOSUM NITROSUM 30-Amyelosum nitricum is effective for palpitations during menopause. In Amylenum Nitrosum, the symptoms are palpitations getting worse from even a little excitement. Constricted feeling in the heart region is an accompanying symptom. Hot flushes and extreme anxiety are the other symptoms.

ARSENIC ALBUM  30-- Arsenic Album is another  top natural Homeopathic medicines for treating palpitations with anxiety. There  is palpitations with extreme anxiety. There is a marked restlessness and fear of death. There is an increased thirst for water and a desire for open air

AURUM MET. 30-Aurum Met is the best Homeopathic medicine for  violent Palpitations with irregular heart action. The patients needing Aurum Met feel that the heart has stopped suddenly for a few seconds varying from 2 to 3 seconds and then suddenly starts beating again. The pulse seems irregular, with high blood pressure.

BELLADONNA 30-Belladonna is prescribed when palpitation occurs after least exertion with headache and a  flushed face

CARBO VEG 30-Carbo  veg is prescribed when palpitation occurs on account of acidity and excessive flatulence in stomach.

COFFEA 30-Coffea is the top  Homeopathic medicine for Palpitations brought on by a sudden joyful moment. It also covers palpitations as a result of sudden pleasant surprises.

CONVALLARIA MAJ. 30- Convallaria is the best  Homeopathic remedy for palpitation due to tobacco abuse.  The patient  complains as if the heart is beating in the whole chest. The palpitations get worse by even slight exertion. The pulse is also very rapid.

CRATAEGUS OXY. Q—Crataegus is a good heart tonic and can be given in all type of heart ailments. It is an excellent antiarrythmic, sedative in irritable patients with cardiac symptoms. Heart weakness with oppression , stitches and insomnia. Extreme dyspnoea on least excertion. Heart  dilated , first sound weak.

DIGITALIS PURPUREA 30-Digitalis is the most effective Homeopathic remedy when the slightest movement causes palpitations. The patient usually feels that the heart will stop its action if he or she moves and it is better at rest. Digitalis is the ideal Homeopathic remedy when cardiac rate is lowered and palpitations are mostly excited from the slightest motion. Digitalis is the best natural Homeopathic medicine to deal with Palpitations with skipped beats. The pulse is irregular and it intermits mainly at every 3^rd, 5^th and 7^th beat. Mitral Disease may be the underlying pathology with irregular heart action in the patient needing Digitalis.

GLONOINE 30-Glonoine is a very effective remedy for palpitations during menopause. It is prescribed when palpitations lead to difficulty in breathing and get worse from exertion. Palpitations can be felt throughout the body.

FERRUM MET 30-Ferrum Met is the best medicine  for  palpitations due to anemia which get worse with movement. The face looks quite pale. Usually the pulse feels very soft and weak.

IBERIS 30- Iberis  is the best remedy  when the slightest exertion gives rise to palpitations. Along with palpitations, a person may also experience vertigo.

IODUM 30-Iodum is the  best remedy  for palpitations in hyperthyroid patients where the palpitations get worse with the slightest of exertion. The chest feels constricted and compressed.

IGNATIA 30--Ignatia is an effective  Homeopathic remedy for palpitations  resulting from grief. Ignatia brings about excellent results in such cases.Hysterical palpitations.

KALMIA 30-  Kalmia is another effective remedy for palpitation from tobacco abuse.   Palpitations are present with a slow pulse. The Palpitations get worse from stooping in a forward position.  Kalmia is  the best  Homeopathic medicine for palpitations with a decreased heart rate. The heart rate for using Kalmia may be as low as 35-40/minute with Palpitations. The patient feels a flutter in the chest and anxiety.

LACHESIS 200-Lachesis is the best natural Homeopathic medicine when episodes of fainting occur along with Palpitations during menopause. The women needing Lachesis have an aversion to wear any tight clothing.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM  200- Lycopodium is the ideal Homeopathic remedy when excessive gas fills the abdomen  resulting in palpitations. The gas is not passed easily and remains obstructed with palpitations.

LILIUM TIG. 30-Lilium Tig is a very efficient  Homeopathic medicine for palpitations with an increased heart rate. The heart beat may even rise to 150/minute and above for using Lilium Tig. The patient feels violent pulsations throughout the body. Fluttering in heart region may be accompanied by chest pain on left side and weight in chest.

MOSCHUS 30-Palpitations due to nervous excitement or nervous palpitations. There may not be any organic disease of the heart.

NATRUM MUR 30-Natrum Mur is the top effective Homeopathic remedy when along with palpitations due to anemia, there is a constricted sensation in the chest. The pulse rate remains high and is often found to be intermittent. A craving for salt may be found in persons needing Natrum Mur.

NUX VOMICA 30-For Palpitations due to intake of coffee, Homeopathic medicine Nux Vomica is the top remedy.Nux vomica is also effective for palpitations resulting after eating , indigestion and from flatulence. Palpitations due to overuse of allopathic medicines.

OPIUM 30- Opium is the best Homeopathic medicine when palpitations are caused due to fright related to some past, long ago, unusual occurrence. It is also used for palpitations due to overuse of allopathic medicines.

OXALIC ACIDUM 30- Palpitations with dyspnoea in organic heart diseases. Worse when thinking of it

SPIGELIA 30-Palpitations excited by the least of movement along with this  there is pain in heart region with arm pain.

SPONGIA 30- Spongia  is the best Homeopathic medicine when a hyperthyroid patient complains of Palpitations on lying down. Walking brings relief to the patient.

SUMBUL 30-Sumbul is the best   Homeopathic medicine for palpitation resulting from intake of beer.  Pain in left side of chest and left arm may also be present along with palpitation

STAPHYSAGRIA 30-Staphysagria is the top remedy for palpitation due  from  anger. This Homeopathic remedy is very beneficial for acute outbursts of anger leading to Palpitations.

TABACUM 30-Tabacum is  also used for palpitations  from tobacco abuse. Tabacum have a very weak pulse often, which is imperceptible. Pulse may also show intermittency.

TERMINALIA ARJUNA Q- Terminalia arjuna is effective for palpitations in heart disease , may be due to any heart disorder, dyspnoea, nervousness .

THEA CINENSIS 30-- Thea Cinensis is an excellent  Homoeopathic  medicine that can help to relieve palpitations because of excessive consumption of tea. Along with palpitations, the person also feels chest oppression.

VISCUM ALBUM 30-Viscum album is prescribed when palpitations occurs during coition.

YOGA MAY HELP REDUCE HEART DISEASE RISK FACTORS

A new study has revealed yoga may help in managing and improving cardiovascular disease risk factors.

The investigators found that yoga may provide the same benefits in reducing risk factors as traditional physical activities such as biking or brisk walking and the finding is significant, as individuals who cannot or prefer not to perform traditional aerobic exercise might still achieve similar benefits in cardiovascular risk reduction, Fox News.

The new analysis found that risk factors improved for those who did yoga, compared to those who did not exercise- body weight fell by 2.32 kg, total cholesterol by 18.48 mg/dl and heart rate by .27 beats per minute.

The study’s findings support the acceptability of yoga for patients with lower physical tolerance, such as the elderly, those with a pre-existing cardiac condition or those with musculoskeletal or joint pain.