Neurocardiac Physiology is the study of the intricate neural and hormonal control mechanisms that govern the function of the heart, emphasizing the heart’s own intrinsic nervous system and its complex interaction with the central and autonomic nervous systems. This discipline views the heart not merely as a pump but as a sophisticated endocrine and neurobiological organ that plays a central role in systemic homeostasis. Clinically, it provides the framework for interpreting heart rate variability (HRV) as a metric of overall physiological adaptability and stress resilience.
Origin
The term originates from the realization that the heart possesses a complex, functional “little brain,” or intrinsic cardiac nervous system, which operates with a degree of independence from the brain. This understanding expanded upon traditional cardiology, which primarily focused on mechanical and electrical function. The integration of ‘Neuro’ and ‘Cardiac’ reflects the modern scientific recognition of the heart’s crucial role in the afferent and efferent signaling of the autonomic nervous system.
Mechanism
The core mechanism involves the heart’s reciprocal communication with the brain via the vagus nerve and sympathetic fibers, forming a critical feedback loop. The intrinsic cardiac nervous system processes information and releases its own neurotransmitters and hormones, influencing the heart’s rhythm and force. Furthermore, the heart releases atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a hormone that affects fluid balance and blood pressure, demonstrating its direct role in the endocrine system and systemic regulation.
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