Circadian rhythms linked to sudden cardiac death

A discovery reported in the March 1st issue of the journal Nature, uncovers the first molecular evidence linking the body’s natural circadian rhythms to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Ventricular arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, are the most common cause of sudden cardiac death: the primary cause of death from heart disease. They occur most frequently in the morning, followed by a smaller peak in the evening hours. While scientists have observed this tendency for many years, the molecular basis for these patterns was unknown. The discovery will be the first step towards new diagnostic tools and therapies to prevent or treat this fatal event. The research team discovered that a novel genetic factor, Kruppel-like Factor 15 (KLF15), links the body’s natural circadian rhythm to, and regulates the heart’s electrical activity. A lack or excess of KLF15, causes a loss or disruption in the heart’s electrical cycle and greatly increases susceptibility to arrhythmias.