Brain-heart interactions. The neurocardiology of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

AUTOR(ES)

Davis, A M

RESUMO

Neuroanatomic connections between the brain and the heart provide links that allow cardiac arrhythmias to occur in response to brain activation. Recognition and analysis of such links in the pathogenesis of malignant cardiac arrhythmia are emphasized in this review. Neurocardiac links have been shown to produce arrhythmia both experimentally and clinically; specific examples, including stroke, epilepsy, and environmental stress are presented. We hypothesize that the individual with a diseased heart has a greater likelihood of experiencing cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death when the neurocardiac axis is activated. Reviewing possible mechanisms of brain-related arrhythmias, we suggest that the nervous system directs the events leading to cardiac damage by raising catecholamine levels and potentially inducing arrhythmia.

Documentos Relacionados

• Sudden cardiac death.
• Ischaemic heart disease and prodromes of sudden cardiac death. Is it possible to identify high risk groups for sudden cardiac death?
• Pathological view of sudden cardiac death.
• Linoleic acid and risk of sudden cardiac death.
• Alcohol intemperance and sudden death.