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Receptors typically associated with detecting flavors on the tongue have been identified in areas of the body, including the intestines, stomach, airways, and pancreas. A recent study has found that when these taste receptors are activated by sweet substances, they can significantly influence the contraction of heart muscles.
These sweet taste receptors (STRs) are also active in the heart. When human and mouse heart cells were exposed to aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, there was a notable enhancement in heart muscle contractions and calcium management, essential for generating a heartbeat.
The control of calcium iron release and uptake in the heart muscle, referred to as calcium handling, is a critical process for contraction and relaxation. Any disturbances in this mechanism can result in various cardiac issues. The study found that STRs are more abundant in the hearts of patients with heart failure, suggesting a potential link to the disease.
It has been observed that heart rate and blood pressure rise after eating. Previously, this increase was attributed to neural signaling. However, new insights suggest a more direct effect that a post-meal spike in blood sugar may activate sweet taste receptors on heart muscle cells, leading to changes in heart rhythm.
The study revealed that sweet taste receptors, especially when stimulated by artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, can cause arrhythmic-like activities in the heart. This overstimulation might explain the association between excessive consumption of artificially sweetened drinks and the occurrence of irregular heartbeats.
This study proposes a possible connection between the intake of artificial sweeteners and a heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmias and heart failure. However, the precise mechanisms remain uncertain, and further research is required to clarify these findings.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Sweet Taste Receptors in the Heart: A New Pathway for Cardiac Regulation
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