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Cerebral hemispheric lateralization in cardiac autonomic control
B W Yoon1, C A Morillo, D F Cechetto
1Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London.
Archives of Neurology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Cerebral lateralization in cardiac autonomic control was identified. The right hemisphere primarily influences sympathetic activity, suggesting potential cardiac risk stratification for patients with intracranial disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
- Autonomic Nervous System
Background:
- Cardiac autonomic control exhibits complex regulation.
- Cerebral lateralization's role in autonomic function requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cerebral hemispheric lateralization in cardiac autonomic control.
- To determine the specific hemispheric modulation of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the intracarotid amobarbital sodium test in eight epilepsy patients.
- Employed power spectral analysis of heart rate variability to assess sympathovagal balance (LF/HF ratio) before and after hemispheric inactivation.
Main Results:
- Hemispheric inactivation significantly altered the LF/HF ratio (P = .001).
- The left hemisphere showed a significant increase in the LF/HF ratio post-inactivation (P = .03).
- The right hemisphere demonstrated a non-significant decrease in the LF/HF ratio post-inactivation.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest significant cerebral lateralization in cardiac autonomic regulation.
- The right cerebral hemisphere appears to predominantly modulate sympathetic activity.
- This research may aid in identifying patients at risk for cardiac complications due to intracranial disease.