In the bloodstream, iron-rich hemoglobin consumes, on contact, any free nitric oxide released by the blood vessels, so the idea that hemoglobin participates in forming nitric oxide had seemed implausible until recently.

Basically…hemoglobin is the iron rich oxygen transport protein in the red blood cells. That is the easiest way I know to explain it but you could always Google if you feel the need, haha.

But seriously, this new implication for this mighty little molecule is big!

…describe how hemoglobin, through a catalytic reaction that does not change its own chemical properties, converts nitrite salt to the vasodilator nitric oxide. The paper further documents how the nitric oxide activity harnessed by hemoglobin escapes the red blood cell to regulate blood flow and how the process, surprisingly, relies on the oxidized, or rusted, form of hemoglobin, previously associated only with diseased states.

Since nitrite has been the subject of heavy research in the recent, this could further aid in such conditions as sickle cell, cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction and stroke. This really is an amazing find being that the specifics of hemoglobin’s intermediate molecule has eluded researchers for centuries.  Gosh, I love science!

via Science Daily

Post from: Blisstree

New Function Of Hemoglobin To Aid In Cardiovascular Disease

On the heels of yesterday’s post, education about cardiac medications is so important for insuring successful outcomes. Do you know your pharmacist well? Do you feel like him/her is helpful and caring towards your needs? Personally, I am on a first name basis with my local pharmacist and feel very comfortable in knowing that she “looks out” for my family. I have come to trust her and her professional capabilities.

The National Institute of Health funded a study that examined the role in which a pharmacist plays in polypharmatic, or multi drug, cardiac patients. Just how key is that ol’ white coat wearing individual that fills your medicine bottles? Very!

The patient’s who received special intervention and education from the trial’s pharmacist…

• took their medications 16 percent more consistently,
• visited the emergency room and were hospitalized 19 percent less, and
• had direct annual health-care costs nearly $3,000 lower per patient.

“We made sure that patients understood how their medications worked and why taking them consistently was so important,”

Get to know your pharmacist! Don’t feel incompetent if you have a worry or concern. Ask away! There is no such thing as a stupid question, especially when it comes to your health. I say over and over again… you are your own best advocate.

via Science Daily

Post from: Blisstree

The Pharmacist Plays An Important Role In The Treatment Of Your Heart Disease