A NEW type of pacemaker which could slow the progression of heart failure in humans has been developed by scientists, according to research.
The bionic pacemaker mimics the natural change in heart rhythm which occurs with breathing - known as respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
This natural form of irregular pacing disappears during heart disease.
Researchers from the Universities of Bath and Bistol found artificially mimicking respiratory sinus arrhythmia in rats with heart disease dramatically increased the heart's efficiency.
Lead author of the study Erin O'Callaghan said the team used state of the art high resolution echocardiography to monitor the heart performance of the rats when respiratory sinus arrhythmia was simulated.
"Within two weeks there was a 20 per cent increase in blood pumped to the heart, which was not the case when we used conventional pacemakers," Dr O'Callaghan said.
Regular pacemakers pace the heart at a regular, consistent rate and do not respond to signals from the body.
Bristol Heart Institute consultant cardiologist Ed Duncan said the Institute was excited by the research.
"This approach may represent a novel therapy in addition to those already available for the treatment of heart failure," Dr Duncan said.
The next step in research will be to find out if the bionic pacemaker can improve outcomes for human patients.
To read the study, click here.
