Neurocardiology

Neurocardiology (pronounced: neuro-car-di-ol-o-gy) is an interdisciplinary field of medicine that focuses on the interactions and interplay between the nervous system and the cardiovascular system.

Etymology

The term "neurocardiology" is derived from the Greek words neuron meaning nerve, kardia meaning heart, and -logia meaning study. Thus, it literally translates to "the study of the heart's nerves."

Overview

Neurocardiology studies the neurophysiological, neurological and neuroanatomical aspects of cardiology, including the neurological origins of cardiac disorders. The effects of stress on the heart are studied in terms of the heart's interactions with both the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical issues in neurocardiology include cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. The field also includes the neurological outcomes of cardiac and thoracic surgery. Neurocardiogenic syncope and other autonomic disorders are also a major focus in the field of neurocardiology.

Related Terms

Cardiology: The branch of medicine that deals with diseases and abnormalities of the heart.
Neurology: The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.
Autonomic Nervous System: The part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, the heartbeat, and digestive processes.
Arrhythmia: A condition in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow.
Heart Failure: A chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
Sudden Cardiac Death: The sudden, unexpected death caused by loss of heart function.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Neurocardiology
Wikipedia's article - Neurocardiology

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Neurocardiology