Stroke-heart syndrome: current progress and future outlook

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Stroke frequently causes cardiac complications, known as stroke-heart syndrome (SHS).
• These complications, including arrhythmia and cardiac dysfunction, significantly worsen stroke prognosis and are a leading cause of death.
• While vascular risk factors play a role, central autonomic disorders and inflammation are increasingly recognized as key mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiology of stroke-heart syndrome (SHS).
• To highlight the role of central autonomic network disorders and inflammation in SHS.
• To discuss potential therapeutic strategies and the role of remote ischemic conditioning.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of clinical and experimental studies on stroke-heart syndrome.
• Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms including autonomic dysfunction and inflammation.
• Evaluation of potential therapeutic interventions and future research directions.

Main Results:

• Stroke-heart syndrome encompasses cardiac complications peaking within 72 hours, with long-term functional effects.
• Central autonomic network disorders and inflammation are critical indirect mechanisms driving SHS.
• Remote ischemic conditioning shows potential protective effects via humoral, neural, and immune-inflammatory pathways.

Conclusions:

• Assessing post-stroke cardiac dysautonomia is crucial.
• Identifying key mediators and signaling pathways is essential for developing targeted SHS therapies.
• Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of remote ischemic conditioning for preventing SHS.