Functional protection against cardiac diseases depends on ATP‐sensitive potassium channels

ATP‐sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP)) channels are widely distributed in various tissues, including pancreatic beta cells, muscle tissue and brain tissue. K(ATP) channels play an important role in cardioprotection in physiological/pathological situations. K(ATP) channels are inhibited by an increase in the intracellular ATP concentration and are stimulated by an increase in the intracellular MgADP concentration. Activation of K(ATP) channels decreases ischaemia/reperfusion injury, protects cardiomyocytes from heart failure, and reduces the occurrence of arrhythmias. K(ATP) channels are involved in various signalling pathways, and their participation in protective processes is regulated by endogenous signalling molecules, such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulphide. K(ATP) channels may act as a new drug target to fight against cardiovascular disease in the development of related drugs in the future. This review highlights the potential mechanisms correlated with the protective role of K(ATP) channels and their therapeutic value in cardiovascular diseases.