Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
12:37
Surgical Placement of Catheters for Long-term Cardiovascular Exercise Testing in Swine
Published on: February 9, 2016
Vascular pathophysiology in response to increased heart rate
Florian Custodis1, Stephan H Schirmer, Magnus Baumhäkel
1Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany. florian.custodis@uks.eu
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|December 4, 2010
Summary
Elevated resting heart rate is linked to cardiovascular disease and mortality. Understanding the mechanical effects of heart rate on blood vessels is crucial for developing new patient care strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Vascular Pathophysiology
- Molecular Signaling
Background:
- Resting heart rate is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- Sustained elevated heart rate contributes to vascular disease pathogenesis, independent of the trigger.
- Increased heart rate correlates with inflammation markers and may accelerate atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the mechanical effects of heart rate on the vessel wall.
- To explore the associated molecular signaling pathways.
- To discuss implications for patient care and identify open questions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and clinical studies.
- Analysis of epidemiological data.
- Examination of animal models and human clinical data.
Main Results:
- Accelerated heart rate in animal models is linked to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and atherogenesis.
- Reduced vascular compliance may be an underlying mechanism.
- Clinical studies show a correlation between higher heart rate and inflammation markers.
Conclusions:
- Increased resting heart rate is associated with cardiovascular risk and disease progression.
- Mechanisms linking heart rate to vascular disease are partially understood.
- Further prospective clinical data are needed to confirm the benefits of heart rate reduction on cardiovascular outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:31Regulation of Heart Rates
The regulation of heart rate is a complex process controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), hormonal influences, and intrinsic cardiac mechanisms. The ANS has two main components: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
01:29Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
Typical heart performance is influenced by heart rate, rhythm, myocardial contraction, and metabolism or blood flow. The cardiac muscle exhibits distinct electrophysiological features, including pacemaker activity and calcium channel control, which play a vital role in the heart's response to various drugs. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, regulates heart rate. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activation...
01:19Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...