The brain-heart interaction represents a complex and bidirectional relationship between the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system, where neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases can significantly impact cardiac function, while cardiovascular disorders like heart failure, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction can profoundly affect brain health, often mediated by shared pathways involving autonomic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular compromise. The presence of overlapping comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and systemic inflammation, further complicates the interplay between these two systems, leading to intricate clinical phenotypes that challenge diagnosis and management. This Column will explore emerging evidence on the molecular, physiological, and pathological mechanisms underlying brain-heart interactions, innovative diagnostic tools (e.g., advanced imaging and biomarkers), novel therapeutic strategies targeting both systems simultaneously, and insights into the cognitive, emotional, and functional consequences of these interactions. Emphasis will also be placed on interdisciplinary approaches to optimize patient care, improve outcomes, and advance our understanding of this critical connection in health and disease.
Atrial fibrillation and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia: Relationships, potential mechanisms, and current therapies
Cardioneuroablation for vagally mediated bradyarrhythmia: A case study with a systematic review
An overview of the anticoagulation therapy in ischemic stroke associated with non-valvular atrial fibrillation