According to a new study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers have developed a novel drug that has shown promise for alleviating the risk of heart failure and sleep apnea. The new drug, known as AF-130, improved the heart`s ability to pump but, equally important, prevent sleep apnea, which itself reduces lifespan.

Professor Julian Paton, director of the universitys Centre for Heart Research, stated that this drug does offer benefits for heart failure, but it also relieves apnea, for which there is currently no drug. At present, only CPAP (a breathing device) is used to manage sleep apnea, which is poorly tolerated.

When a person experiences a heart attack and ensuing heart failure, the brain reacts by triggering the sympathetic nervous system, sometimes known as the "fight or flight" reaction, to encourage the heart to pump blood. Yet, the brain continues to activate the neurological system even after it is no longer necessary, and this, together with the resulting sleep apnea, reduces the patients life expectancy.

Mr. Paton explained that this study has identified the first medication that can reduce the nerve activity that travels from the brain to the heart and halt the progressive deterioration of the heart, resulting in overall failure.

The area of the brain that regulates breathing is also the area that gives neurological signals to the heart, so this medication performs two tasks at once: it lowers the "fight or flight" response while also promoting breathing to cure sleep apnea. 

(Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1065920 )