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Retarding effect of lowered heart rate on coronary atherosclerosis

P A Beere, S Glagov, C K Zarins

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |October 12, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Lowering heart rate significantly reduced coronary atherosclerosis in monkeys fed a high-cholesterol diet. This suggests heart rate plays a direct role in the development of coronary artery disease.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiovascular Science
    • Atherosclerosis Research

    Background:

    • Coronary atherosclerosis is a major cause of heart disease.
    • The influence of heart rate on atherosclerosis development is not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the direct role of heart rate in the development of coronary atherosclerosis.

    Main Methods:

    • Adult male cynomolgus monkeys underwent sinoatrial node ablation to lower heart rate or a sham procedure.
    • Animals were fed an atherogenic diet for 6 months.
    • Heart rate was monitored via telemetry.

    Main Results:

    • Monkeys with reduced heart rates exhibited less than half the coronary atherosclerosis compared to controls.
    • No significant differences were observed in blood pressure, serum lipids, or body weight between groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Heart rate may be an independent factor contributing to coronary atherosclerosis.
    • Findings suggest a mechanism linking heart rate to the effects of behavioral patterns and physical training on heart disease.

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