New Delhi :- A recent important international research has shown that empagliflozin, a special drug used in kidney disease, can also be considered beneficial for heart attack (myocardial infarction) patients. This research was done by Indian origin doctor Deepak L. Bhatt and its results are encouraging.
Empagliflozin: protects both heart and kidneys
Empagliflozin, which is originally used to treat kidney problems, has shown success in reducing the cases of heart failure after heart attacks. It is proving especially beneficial for those patients whose kidneys are weak. Some medicines and fluids given to patients after a heart attack can have negative effects on the kidneys. But empagliflozin is proving to be safe and effective for those patients.
Doubt over safety of medicine after heart attack
Doctors have been skeptical about giving drugs like empagliflozin immediately after a heart attack because not enough was known about the drug's safety. This medicine blocks the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 protein, which helps the kidneys to reabsorb glucose from the blood.
Research results: Positive effect on heart and kidneys
During the research, 6,522 patients were given empagliflozin or placebo. As a result, patients taking empagliflozin were less likely to need hospitalization after heart failure or heart attack. Apart from this, improvement in the health of their kidneys was also seen. The drug also reduced the risk of loss of baseline kidney function.
First 30 days of taking the medicine
The research also showed that in the first 30 days, there was no major difference in the rate of harmful events between the empagliflozin and placebo groups, regardless of the patients' kidney function, blood pressure or other treatments. This shows that this medicine can be considered safe even in the early stages.
Heart disease: the leading cause of death globally
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and heart attack is the largest contributor. In such a situation, this research can show a new direction in the care of patients after heart attack.
New hope for heart attack patients
The results of this research will provide important guidance to doctors in treating the vulnerable population of heart patients globally. Once there is clearer information about the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin, doctors will be able to use it immediately after a heart attack, further increasing patients' chances of a healthy life.
This research was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress held in London, and its findings could provide a new dimension in the treatment of patients suffering from heart attacks.
Post Views: 85
Comments are closed.