Hydrogen Gas Shows Promise for Protecting Hearts During Heart Attacks
Advances in the Protective Mechanism of NO, H2S, and H2 in Myocardial Ischemic Injury
Research hubs: Cardiovascular System
- Evidence type
- Review or commentary
- Authors
- Wei-Lu Wang, Tian-Yu Ge, Xu Chen, Yicheng Mao, Yi-Zhun Zhu
- Journal
- Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
- Year
- 2020
- PMID
- 33195476
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 21 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Scientists found that three special gases—nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen—can protect your heart from damage when it doesn't get enough oxygen, which could lead to new treatments for heart attacks.
Key Finding
Hydrogen, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulfide show protective effects against heart tissue damage through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-cell-death mechanisms in research studies.
Summary
This review article examines how three gaseous molecules—hydrogen (H2), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S)—may protect heart tissue from damage caused by insufficient blood flow and oxygen. Researchers found that these molecules appear to work by reducing cell death, lowering harmful inflammation, and decreasing oxidative stress (a type of cellular damage). The review summarizes existing research suggesting these gases could potentially be developed into treatments for heart attacks and related conditions.
Practical Takeaway
This is a review article summarizing laboratory and animal research, not a clinical trial in humans, so it cannot establish whether hydrogen water or these gases would actually help people with heart disease. While the protective mechanisms described are scientifically interesting, much more research—including human studies—would be needed before any therapeutic claims could be made. Anyone with heart disease should consult their doctor rather than rely on experimental approaches.
Abstract (excerpt)
Myocardial ischemic injury is among the top 10 leading causes of death from cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Myocardial ischemia is caused mainly by coronary artery occlusion or obstruction. It usually occurs when the heart is insufficiently perfused, oxygen supply to the myocardium is reduced…