CNS-disease affecting the heart: brain-heart disorders

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Neurocardiology

Background:

• Central nervous system (CNS) disorders encompass a range of hereditary and non-hereditary conditions.
• These CNS disorders can directly or indirectly affect cardiac function, leading to brain-heart disorders.
• Common examples include epilepsy, stroke, subarachnoid bleeding, meningitis, and head injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the cardiac manifestations of hereditary and non-hereditary CNS disorders.
• To highlight the spectrum of cardiac complications, from arrhythmias to cardiomyopathy.
• To emphasize the importance of managing cardiac involvement in CNS patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on CNS disorders and their cardiac effects.
• Analysis of reported cardiac complications such as arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and autonomic dysfunction.
• Identification of specific CNS conditions linked to cardiac issues like Takotsubo syndrome and SUDEP.

Main Results:

• CNS disorders can lead to various cardiac issues including arrhythmias (supraventricular, ventricular) and cardiomyopathy.
• Takotsubo syndrome (stress-induced myocardial dysfunction) is a notable cardiomyopathy linked to CNS events like stroke and epilepsy.
• Cardiac complications range from palpitations and syncope to heart failure, myocardial infarction, and hypertension.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac involvement is a significant, though often under-recognized, complication of CNS disorders.
• Prompt recognition and management of cardiac dysfunction in CNS patients are essential for improving prognosis.
• Further research into the mechanisms and treatment of brain-heart disorders is warranted.