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. 2013 Feb;21(2):91-4.
doi: 10.1007/s12471-012-0356-9.

Electrical neuromodulation for patients with cardiac diseases

K De Decker  1 , U Beese, M J Staal, M J L Dejongste
Affiliations

Electrical neuromodulation for patients with cardiac diseases

K De Decker et al. Neth Heart J. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

In this review we discuss the position of electrical neuromodulation as a safe and reversible adjuvant therapy for treatment of patients with chronic cardiac diseases who have become refractory to conventional strategies. In patients with chronic refractory angina, electrical neuromodulation, independent of the applied modality, has shown to reduce complaints of angina, to enhance exercise capacity, to improve quality of life and to employ anti-ischaemic effects. To date, electrical neuromodulation seems to be one of the best adjuvant therapies for these patients. In addition, neuromodulation in the treatment of heart failure and resistant arrhythmias is the subject of several ongoing studies.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Graphic presentation of nervous and neurohumoral pathways in the presence of (chronic) myocardial ischaemia. In patients with chronic angina refractory to conventional therapies, high threshold nociceptors are becoming low threshold nociceptors (=sensitisation), following release of a ‘soup’ of specific mediators. Electrical neuromodulation is thought to ‘normalise’ the lowered thresholds of the nociceptors. a neurohumoral pathway in patients experiencing angina. b neurohumoral pathway in patients with chronic refractory angina
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