Hydrogen Therapy Reduces Heart Rhythm Problems in Animal Study
- Authors
- Binmei Zhang, Jingxiu Hou, Jiaren Liu, Junhui He, Yunan Gao, Guangnan Li, Tianjiao Ma, Xin Lv, Li Dong, Wei Yang
- Journal
- PLOS One
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0310852
- Study Type
- Rat
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Hydrogen gas treatment reduces the risk of a common heart rhythm disorder and lessens heart scarring in rats.
Key Finding
In rats, hydrogen gas reduced susceptibility to angiotensin II-induced atrial fibrillation and atrial fibrosis by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways.
Summary
Researchers gave rats a hormone called angiotensin II that triggers irregular heartbeats and heart scarring. When they also gave these rats hydrogen gas, the rats developed fewer irregular heartbeats and less heart scarring compared to rats that received only the hormone. The study suggests hydrogen works by reducing harmful molecules called free radicals and calming down inflammatory responses in heart tissue.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing hydrogen may help prevent heart rhythm problems in specific disease conditions, but human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about its use in people. The findings are promising for future research but do not yet support therapeutic recommendations.
Abstract (excerpt)
Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the commonly occurring cardiac arrhythmia and the main factor leading to stroke and heart failure. Hydrogen (H2) is a gaseous signaling molecule that has the effects of anti-inflammation and antioxidation. Our study provides evidence that hydrogen decreases…