Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
06:39
Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2016
16.5K
[Association between autonomic disorders and subclinical atherosclerosis]
D S Mendo1, S A González2, H A Bonaccorsi1
1Unidad de Hipertensión Arterial, Instituto Cardiovascular de Rosario Rosario (Santa Fe), Argentina.
Hipertension Y Riesgo Vascular
|May 5, 2020
Summary
Reduced heart rate variability is linked to carotid atherosclerosis. Total spectral power and low frequency spectrum are better predictors of this condition than parasympathetic balance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS) alterations are implicated in atherosclerosis development.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.
- Carotid atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between carotid atherosclerosis and HRV.
- To identify specific HRV parameters predictive of carotid atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case-control study of 54 patients.
- Assessment of HRV in the frequency domain (high frequency, low frequency, total spectral power).
- Evaluation for the presence of carotid atherosclerosis.
Main Results:
- 48% of participants had subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.
- Reduced HRV, specifically lower low frequency (LF) spectrum and high frequency (HF) band, was observed in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.
- Total spectral power was also significantly reduced in this group.
Conclusions:
- Carotid atherosclerosis is associated with reduced heart rate variability.
- Low frequency and total spectral power are significant predictors of carotid atherosclerosis.
- Total spectral power may serve as a reliable indicator of autonomic function in this context.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
1.3K
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
1.3K
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
367
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
367
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
779
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
779
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
272
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
272
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
660
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
660
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
289
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
289