Neural mechanisms of arrhythmia

Abstract

Cardiac autonomic nervous system consists of extrinsic (sympathetic and parasympathetic) and intrinsic (ganglionated plexus concentrated within epicardial fat pads) components. Complex interactions exist between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system on the atrial and ventricular electrophysiologic properties. Disturbed autonomic nervous balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity to the heart potentiates the development of arrhythmia. The intrinsic nervous system is thought to be able to function independently and fulfill a number of important interactive and modulatory functions including modulation of arrhythmia substrate. Modulating autonomic tone by ablating or stimulating extrinsic and intrinsic nervous system is emerging as a promising novel therapy in cardiac arrhythmia. Further studies will determine if this new method can be used as an effective means of treating some forms of clinical arrhythmia.