Hydrogen Shows Promise for Treating Heart Disease and Stroke
- Authors
- Shucun Qin
- Journal
- Current Pharmaceutical Design
- Year
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.2174/1381612826666201124112152
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Atherosclerosis
- Body System
- Cardiovascular
TL;DR
Scientists found that hydrogen gas might help prevent and treat heart and brain diseases caused by clogged arteries, because it reduces harmful inflammation and damage in the body—and lots of studies show it could really work, but we need bigger tests to make sure it's safe and effective for patients.
Key Finding
Over 50 published studies suggest hydrogen may help prevent and treat atherosclerotic diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, though most evidence comes from animal models and laboratory research rather than large human trials.
Summary
This review examined research on hydrogen's potential role in preventing and treating atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes). Researchers looked at over 50 studies from the past decade to understand how hydrogen might work as an antioxidant (a substance that reduces harmful molecules in the body) and anti-inflammatory agent (something that reduces swelling and inflammation). The review summarized findings from laboratory experiments and animal studies, as well as available human research, to explore whether hydrogen could help protect against or treat these serious diseases.
Practical Takeaway
While early research suggests hydrogen may have potential benefits for atherosclerotic disease, this review is primarily a summary of existing studies rather than new evidence. Most supporting data comes from animal studies and small human investigations, so larger clinical trials are needed before hydrogen can be recommended as a treatment. Anyone interested in hydrogen water for cardiovascular health should consult their doctor, as the evidence is still preliminary.
Abstract (excerpt)
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Given our recent understanding of its role as a small-molecule antioxidant and anti- inflammatory agent, hydrogen may play an important role in preventing and treating…