Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
07:49
Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach
Published on: July 21, 2023
2.1K
Autonomic Modulation in Heart Failure: Ready for Prime Time?
Mark E Dunlap1, Anju Bhardwaj2, Paul J Hauptman3
1MetroHealth Campus of Case Western Reserve University, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA. mdunlap@metrohealth.org.
Current Cardiology Reports
|September 19, 2015
Summary
Heart failure (HF) involves autonomic nervous system (ANS) abnormalities. This review focuses on new therapies targeting the parasympathetic nervous system to improve HF treatment, complementing existing sympathetic nervous system blockers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction.
- Current HF therapies often impact the ANS, with sympathetic nervous system blockade being standard.
- Parasympathetic nervous system augmentation strategies for HF are less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent and ongoing research on modulating the autonomic nervous system in heart failure.
- To highlight novel therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing parasympathetic nervous system activity for HF management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent and ongoing investigations.
- Focus on studies targeting autonomic nervous system modulation, particularly parasympathetic mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Sympathetic nervous system blockade is a cornerstone of HF therapy.
- Emerging research explores enhancing parasympathetic activity as a therapeutic avenue for HF.
- New studies are investigating specific targets for parasympathetic augmentation.
Conclusions:
- Modulating the autonomic nervous system, especially the parasympathetic component, holds promise for novel heart failure treatments.
- Further research into parasympathetic augmentation is warranted to develop new therapeutic options for heart failure patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
1.4K
The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
1.4K
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
1.4K
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...
1.4K
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
545
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
545
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
1.1K
β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation,...
1.1K
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
4.6K
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...
4.6K
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
583
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
583