neurocardiovasculares

Neurocardiovasculares (neurocardiovascular) refers to the interface between the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. This field studies how neural mechanisms regulate heart function, blood vessel tone, and blood pressure, as well as how cardiovascular pathology can influence cerebral physiology. The autonomic nervous system, consisting of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways, plays a central role in maintaining hemodynamic stability. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, myocardial contractility, and vasoconstriction, while parasympathetic input generally slows heart rate and promotes vasodilation.

Clinical conditions that illustrate neurocardiovascular interactions include neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, where impaired autonomic responses to position changes lead to significant drops in blood pressure and cerebral hypoperfusion. Autonomic dysreflexia, commonly seen in patients with spinal cord injury above T6, produces acute hypertension and tachycardia triggered by noxious stimuli below the level of injury. Stroke can disrupt central autonomic control, resulting in arrhythmias, blood pressure lability, or autonomic dysfunction. Conversely, cardiac events such as myocardial infarction can provoke changes in cerebral blood flow and increase the risk of stroke.

Diagnostics often involve tilt‑table testing, baroreflex sensitivity measurement, heart rate variability analysis, and imaging of central autonomic pathways. Management strategies focus on restoring autonomic balance through pharmacologic agents (e.g., fludrocortisone, midodrine), nonpharmacologic measures (compression garments, fluid and salt intake), and addressing underlying causes. Emerging research explores neuroprotective therapies, targeted neuromodulation, and advanced regenerative approaches to improve neurocardiovascular health.