Neurocardiology: close interaction between heart and brain

[摘要] The interaction between heart and brain becomes increasingly important as the underlying mutual mechanisms become better understood. The speciality that deals with the brain-heart connection has become known as neurocardiology [1]. Neurocardiology refers to (patho)physiological interplays of the nervous and cardiovascular systems [2]. Baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability are important parameters in understanding the influence of the autonomic nervous system on both heart and brain activity [3, 4]. Over the past years, there is increasing evidence about the brain-heart interaction with major potential implications for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. For instance, cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) are frequently caused by cardiac arrhythmias and/or congestive heart failure [5, 6]. In particular atrial fibrillation may result in cognitive disorders preceding the occurrence of TIAs or CVAs [7–10]. Even in the absence of manifest stroke, atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and hippocampal atrophy. Therefore, cognition and measures of structural brain integrity should be considered in the evaluation of novel treatments for atrial fibrillation.

[学科分类] 心脏病和心血管学