Persistence of muscle sympathetic nerve activity during vasovagal syncope

Changes in Left Ventricular Function Assessed by 3D Echocardiography During Severe Central Hypovolemia in Healthy Humans

PURPOSE

Central hypovolemia is considered to lead to a compensatory increase in cardiac contractility. From a physiological perspective, left ventricular (LV) twisting motion, which plays an important role in maintaining cardiac output, should be enhanced during central hypovolemia, but previous studies have shown inconsistent findings. Using 3D echocardiography, we tested the hypothesis that the LV twisting and untwisting motion would be enhanced during severe central hypovolemia.

METHODS

Thirteen healthy men (25 ± 5 years old) underwent the maximal lower body negative pressure (LBNP) protocol; graded increase in LBNP loads up to presyncope. We evaluated the basic hemodynamics and LV function with 3D and Doppler echocardiography at each stage of LBNP. Indices were compared among baseline, half maximal LBNP (LBNP1/2max), and one stage before the presyncope (LBNPpre-max) to consider individual differences in orthostatic tolerance.

RESULTS

In response to LBNP, ejection fraction (baseline: 62 ± 3, LBNP1/2max: 55 ± 5, LBNPpre-max: 43% ± 9%, mean ± SD, p < 0.01, ANOVA), global longitudinal strain (-20.5 ± 2.8, -17.6 ± 2.7, -13.6% ± 4.7%, p < 0.01), and global circumferential strain (-31.2 ± 3.7, -26.8 ± 3.3, -19.4% ± 5.3%, p < 0.01) were weakened. Twist (15.2 ± 5.1, 14.5 ± 5.4, 20.9° ± 7.7°, p = 0.012) and peak untwisting rate (-138 ± 42, -164 ± 50, -245°/cm ± 88°/cm, p < 0.01) were strengthened at the LBNPpre-max. e' (14.1 ± 2.0, 11.1 ± 1.5, 8.2° ± 2.2 cm/s, p < 0.01) decreased in response to LBNP, while E/e' (5.8 ± 0.8, 5.4 ± 1.0, 7.8 ± 2.3, p < 0.01) increased at LBNPpre-max.

CONCLUSION

The present findings indicate that LV twisting motion is enhanced during severe central hypovolemia. On the other hand, conventional echocardiographic indices appeared to deteriorate. Intriguingly, an index of LV filling (E/e') was paradoxically enhanced during severe central hypovolemia.

Mesenteric blood flow and muscle sympathetic nerve activity during vasovagal syncope

PURPOSE

Vasovagal syncope is thought to be mediated by a progressive fall in cardiac output secondary to venous pooling of blood in the splanchnic circulation. How and when this occurs before syncope has not been determined.

METHODS

A total of 20 patients who became hypotensive during head-up tilt (age 40.9 ± 3.4 years; 10 females) were divided into two groups-the glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) group (n = 12) and the vasovagal syncope (VVS) group (n = 8) - on the basis of whether or not nitroglycerine provocation was required. They were compared with a control group (age 38.6 ± 3.3; 8 females; n = 13). Hemodynamics, including superior mesenteric artery blood flow (SMABF) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were recorded continuously during early tilt, presyncope and recovery. We used pixel-weighting to calculate average velocity from the pulsed Doppler velocity envelope.

RESULTS

During baseline and early tilt, resistance to mesenteric blood flow was lower in the VVS group: 0.30 ± 0.02 to 0.30 ± 0.02 mmHg/ml/min versus controls 0.30 ± 0.03 to 0.38 ± 0.04 mmHg/ml/min (p = 0.05). During presyncope, as blood pressure and stroke volume gradually fell, SMABF was higher in the VVS group, falling from 370 ± 46 to 248 ± 35 ml/min, versus controls, falling from 342 ± 51 to 233 ± 19 (p = 0.03). At this time, MSNA was lower in the VVS group than controls: 39 ± 4 to 34 ± 3 bursts/min versus 45 ± 2 to 48 ± 3 (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

During presyncope, increased splanchnic blood flow may pool more blood in capacitance vessels resulting in decreased venous return and cardiac output. This may be secondary to decreased vasoconstrictor sympathetic activity.

Pathophysiology of syncope: current concepts and their development

Syncope is a symptom in which transient loss of consciousness occurs as a consequence of a self-limited, spontaneously terminating period of cerebral hypoperfusion. Many circulatory disturbances (e.g. brady- or tachyarrhythmias, reflex cardioinhibition-vasodepression-hypotension) may trigger a syncope or near-syncope episode, and identifying the cause(s) is often challenging. Some syncope may involve multiple etiologies operating in concert, whereas in other cases multiple syncope events may be due to various differing causes at different times. In this communication, we address the current understanding of the principal contributors to syncope pathophysiology including examination of the manner in which concepts evolved, an overview of factors that constitute consciousness and loss of consciousness, and aspects of neurovascular control and communication that are impacted by cerebral hypoperfusion leading to syncope. Emphasis focuses on 1) current understanding of the way transient systemic hypotension impacts brain blood flow and brain function; 2) the complexity and temporal sequence of vascular, humoral, and cardiac factors that may accompany the most common causes of syncope; 3) the range of circumstances and disease states that may lead to syncope; and 4) clinical features associated with syncope and in particular the reflex syncope syndromes.

Vasovagal syncope: An overview of pathophysiological mechanisms

Syncope is a short-term transient loss of consciousness, characterized by rapid onset and complete spontaneous recovery. According to the 2018 European Society of Cardiology guidelines, three different types of syncope have been identified. However, all forms of syncope share a common final pathophysiological event, global cerebral hypoperfusion, which results from the inability of the circulatory system to maintain blood pressure at the level required to efficiently supply blood to the brain. The vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common form of syncope. Although, VVS is generally harmless, its frequent occurrence can negatively affect quality of life and increase the risk of adverse events. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VVS remain obscure. The multifaceted nature of VVS presents a veritable challenge to understanding this condition and developing preventative strategies. Thus, the aim of this review was to discuss the factors contributing to the pathogenesis of VVS and provide guidance for future research.

Differential contributions of cardiac, coronary and pulmonary artery vagal mechanoreceptors to reflex control of the circulation

Distinct populations of stretch-sensitive mechanoreceptors attached to myelinated vagal afferents are found in the heart and adjoining coronary and pulmonary circulations. Receptors at atrio-venous junctions appear to be involved in control of intravascular volume. These atrial receptors influence sympathetic control of the heart and kidney, but contribute little to reflex control of systemic vascular resistance. Baroreceptors at the origins of the coronary circulation elicit reflex vasodilatation, like feedback control from systemic arterial baroreceptors, as well as having characteristics that could contribute to regulation of mean pressure. In contrast, feedback from baroreceptors in the pulmonary artery and bifurcation is excitatory and elicits a pressor response. Elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure resets the vasomotor limb of the systemic arterial baroreflex, which could be relevant for control of sympathetic vasoconstrictor outflow during exercise and other states associated with elevated pulmonary arterial pressure. Ventricular receptors, situated mainly in the inferior posterior wall of the left ventricle, and attached to unmyelinated vagal afferents, are relatively inactive under basal conditions. However, a change to the biochemical environment of cardiac tissue surrounding these receptors elicits a depressor response. Some ventricular receptors respond, modestly, to mechanical distortion. Probably, ventricular receptors contribute little to tonic feedback control; however, reflex bradycardia and hypotension in response to chemical activation may decrease the work of the heart during myocardial ischaemia. Overall, greater awareness of heterogeneous reflex effects originating from cardiac, coronary and pulmonary artery mechanoreceptors is required for a better understanding of integrated neural control of circulatory function and arterial blood pressure.

The adrenal medulla in cardiovascular medicine: an untold story

Unlike noradrenaline, the sympathetic neurotransmitter which overflows to the circulation, adrenaline (ADR) is a secreted hormone, with a low plasma concentration, and plasma concentration for biological action a log order lower than that of noradrenaline. The venous drainage of the left adrenal medulla into the left renal vein does expose this vein to uniquely high plasma ADR concentrations and possible risk of thrombosis at high rates of ADR secretion. There is typically a different timeframe for adrenal medullary and sympathetic nervous system responses: ADR release is short term in contrast with sympathetic activation persisting for years in heart failure and hypertension. The historic view of Walter Cannon, subject to recent review, that the sympathoadrenal system is a unified biological system, was deconstructed further with demonstration of frequent mismatching of adrenal medullary and sympathetic nervous responses. Under gravity stimulation with standing, there is prompt sympathetic activation without ADR release. In many diseases, notably obesity, hypertension, heart failure and depressive illness, an activated sympathetic nervous system and silent adrenal medulla coexist. The therapeutic corollary of this is that ADR blockade is much less commonly needed clinically than pharmacological antagonism of the sympathetic nervous system.

Novel Methods for Quantification of Vasodepression and Cardioinhibition During Tilt-Induced Vasovagal Syncope

Rationale:

Assessing the relative contributions of cardioinhibition and vasodepression to the blood pressure (BP) decrease in tilt-induced vasovagal syncope requires methods that reflect BP physiology accurately.

Objective:

To assess the relative contributions of cardioinhibition and vasodepression to tilt-induced vasovagal syncope using novel methods.

Methods and Results:

We studied the parameters determining BP, that is, stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), and total peripheral resistance (TPR), in 163 patients with tilt-induced vasovagal syncope documented by continuous ECG and video EEG monitoring. We defined the beginning of cardioinhibition as the start of an HR decrease (HR) before syncope and used logarithms of SV, HR, and TPR ratios to quantify the multiplicative relation BP=SV·HR·TPR. We defined 3 stages before syncope and 2 after it based on direction changes of these parameters. The earliest BP decrease occurred 9 minutes before syncope. Cardioinhibition was observed in 91% of patients at a median time of 58 seconds before syncope. At that time, SV had a strong negative effect on BP, TPR a lesser negative effect, while HR had increased (all P <0.001). At the onset of cardioinhibition, the median HR was at 98 bpm higher than baseline. Cardioinhibition thus initially only represented a reduction of the corrective HR increase but was nonetheless accompanied by an immediate acceleration of the ongoing BP decrease. At syncope, SV and HR contributed similarly to the BP decrease ( P <0.001), while TPR did not affect BP.

Conclusions:

The novel methods allowed the relative effects of SV, HR, and TPR on BP to be assessed separately, although all act together. The 2 major factors lowering BP in tilt-induced vasovagal syncope were reduced SV and cardioinhibition. We suggest that the term vasodepression in reflex syncope should not be limited to reduced arterial vasoconstriction, reflected in TPR, but should also encompass venous pooling, reflected in SV.

Neurohormones in the Pathophysiology of Vasovagal Syncope in Adults

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of syncope across all age groups. Nonetheless, despite its clinical importance and considerable research effort over many years, the pathophysiology of VVS remains incompletely understood. In this regard, numerous studies have been undertaken in an attempt to improve insight into the evolution of VVS episodes and many of these studies have examined neurohormonal changes that occur during the progression of VVS events primarily using the head-up tilt table testing model. In this regard, the most consistent finding is a marked increase in epinephrine (Epi) spillover into the circulation beginning at an early stage as VVS evolves. Reported alterations of circulating norepinephrine (NE), on the other hand, have been more variable. Plasma concentrations of other vasoactive agents have been reported to exhibit more variable changes during a VVS event, and for the most part change somewhat later, but in some instances the changes are quite marked. The neurohormones that have drawn the most attention include arginine vasopressin [AVP], adrenomedullin, to a lesser extent brain and atrial natriuretic peptides (BNP, ANP), opioids, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and serotonin. However, whether some or all of these diverse agents contribute directly to VVS pathophysiology or are principally a compensatory response to an evolving hemodynamic crisis is as yet uncertain. The goal of this communication is to summarize key reported neurohumoral findings in VVS, and endeavor to ascertain how they may contribute to observed hemodynamic alterations during VVS.

Timing of Circulatory and Neurological Events in Syncope

Syncope usually lasts less than a minute, in which short time arterial blood pressure temporarily falls enough to decrease brain perfusion so much that loss of consciousness ensues. Blood pressure decreases quickest when the heart suddenly stops pumping, which happens in arrhythmia and in severe cardioinhibitory reflex syncope. Loss of consciousness starts about 8 s after the last heart beat and circulatory standstill occurs after 10-15 s. A much slower blood pressure decrease can occur in syncope due to orthostatic hypotension Standing blood pressure can then stabilize at low values often causing more subtle signs (i.e., inability to act) but often not low enough to cause loss of consciousness. Cerebral autoregulation attempts to keep cerebral blood flow constant when blood pressure decreases. In reflex syncope both the quick blood pressure decrease and its low absolute value mean that cerebral autoregulation cannot prevent syncope. It has more protective value in orthostatic hypotension. Neurological signs are related to the severity and timing of cerebral hypoperfusion. Several unanswered pathophysiological questions with possible clinical implications are identified.

Pubertal Hormonal Changes and the Autonomic Nervous System: Potential Role in Pediatric Orthostatic Intolerance

Puberty is initiated by hormonal changes in the adolescent body that trigger physical and behavioral changes to reach adult maturation. As these changes occur, some adolescents experience concerning pubertal symptoms that are associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Vasovagal syncope (VVS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) are common disorders of the ANS associated with puberty that are related to orthostatic intolerance and share similar symptoms. Compared to young males, young females have decreased orthostatic tolerance and a higher incidence of VVS and POTS. As puberty is linked to changes in specific sex and non-sex hormones, and hormonal therapy sometimes improves orthostatic symptoms in female VVS patients, it is possible that pubertal hormones play a role in the increased susceptibility of young females to autonomic dysfunction. The purpose of this paper is to review the key hormonal changes associated with female puberty, their effects on the ANS, and their potential role in predisposing some adolescent females to cardiovascular autonomic dysfunctions such as VVS and POTS. Increases in pubertal hormones such as estrogen, thyroid hormones, growth hormone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 promote vasodilatation and decrease blood volume. This may be exacerbated by higher levels of progesterone, which suppresses catecholamine secretion and sympathetic outflow. Abnormal heart rate increases in POTS patients may be exacerbated by pubertal increases in leptin, insulin, and thyroid hormones acting to increase sympathetic nervous system activity and/or catecholamine levels. Given the coincidental timing of female pubertal hormone surges and adolescent onset of VVS and POTS in young women, coupled with the known roles of these hormones in modulating cardiovascular homeostasis, it is likely that female pubertal hormones play a role in predisposing females to VVS and POTS during puberty. Further research is necessary to confirm the effects of female pubertal hormones on autonomic function, and their role in pubertal autonomic disorders such as VVS and POTS, in order to inform the treatment and management of these debilitating disorders.

Cardiac and Vascular Sympathetic Baroreflex Control during Orthostatic Pre-Syncope

We hypothesized that sympathetic baroreflex mediated uncoupling between neural sympathetic discharge pattern and arterial pressure (AP) fluctuations at 0.1 Hz during baroreceptor unloading might promote orthostatic pre-syncope. Ten volunteers (32 ± 6 years) underwent electrocardiogram, beat-to-beat AP, respiratory activity and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) recordings while supine (REST) and during 80° head-up tilt (HUT) followed by -10 mmHg stepwise increase of lower body negative pressure until pre-syncope. Cardiac and sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity were quantified. Spectrum analysis of systolic and diastolic AP (SAP and DAP) and calibrated MSNA (cMSNA) variability assessed the low frequency fluctuations (LF, ~0.1 Hz) of SAP, DAP and cMSNA variability. The squared coherence function (K²) quantified the coupling between cMSNA and DAP in the LF band. Analyses were performed while supine, during asymptomatic HUT (T₁) and at pre-syncope onset (T₂). During T₂ we found that: (1) sympathetic baroreceptor modulation was virtually abolished compared to T₁; (2) a progressive decrease in AP was accompanied by a persistent but chaotic sympathetic firing; (3) coupling between cMSNA and AP series at 0.1 Hz was reduced compared to T₁. A negligible sympathetic baroreceptor modulation during pre-syncope might disrupt sympathetic discharge pattern impairing the capability of vessels to constrict and promote pre-syncope.

Clinical features of prolonged tilt-induced hypotension with an apparent vasovagal mechanism, but without syncope

BACKGROUND

A previous study of electroencephalography (EEG) changes with syncope led to a finding that some young patients develop prolonged periods of tilt-induced hypotension, but they do not lose consciousness. The present study aim was to compare patterns of hemodynamic changes, measures of duration, and sweating between these patients and patients with tilt-induced vasovagal syncope.

METHODS

In an observational study, qualitative changes in hemodynamic parameters were compared between patients with prolonged hypotension (n = 30) and with syncope (n = 30). To demonstrate that periods of hypotension far-exceed the typical presyncope period, several parameters were used to compare the durations of events between groups. Differences in sweating patterns were explored.

RESULTS

Parallels in hemodynamic changes were present in both groups suggesting similar vasovagal mechanisms. Patients with prolonged hypotension had longer durations of hypotension (165 ± 44 versus 57 ± 13 s, p < 0.001), diminished cardiac output (109 ± 38 versus 32 ± 9 s, p < 0.001), and EEG slowing (85 ± 31 versus 9 ± 4 s, p < 0.001) compared to patients with syncope. While all patients generated an increase in sweat rate, those with hypotension only developed a robust sweat response that always preceded the plateau in hypotension compared to 14 (47%) patients with syncope who developed an increase in sweating prior to syncope, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

Similarities are present among hemodynamic changes with prolonged hypotension and with tilt-induced vasovagal syncope, suggesting a possible vasovagal mechanism for prolonged hypotension. If true, understanding why some individuals develop a vasovagal response that does not culminate in rapid syncope may help to elucidate the physiologic underpinnings of the vasovagal reflex.

Time course of compensatory physiological responses to central hypovolemia in high- and low-tolerant human subjects

Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) simulates hemorrhage in human subjects. Most subjects (67%) exhibited high tolerance (HT) to hypovolemia, while the remainder (33%) had low tolerance (LT). To investigate the mechanisms for decompensation to central hypovolemia in HT and LT subjects, we characterized the time course of total peripheral resistance (TPR), heart rate (HR), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during LBNP to tolerance determined by the onset of decompensation (presyncope, PS). We hypothesized that 1) maximum (Max) TPR, HR, and MSNA would coincide, and 2) PS would result from simultaneous decreases in TPR, HR, and MSNA in LT and HT subjects but occur earlier in LT than in HT subjects. Max TPR was lower and occurred earlier in LT ( n = 59) than in HT ( n = 113) subjects (LT: 24 ± 1 mmHg·min·1^-1 at 756 ± 31 s; HT: 28 ± 1 mmHg·min·1^-1 at 1,265 ± 37 s, P < 0.01). Max TPR occurred several minutes before PS. During subsequent decrease in TPR, HR and MSNA continued to increase. Max HR (LT: 111 ± 2 beat/min at 923 ± 27 s; HT: 130 ± 2 beats/min at 1489 ± 23 s, P < 0.01) occurred several seconds before PS. Higher MSNA ( P < 0.01) was attained in HT ( n = 10; 51 ± 5 bursts/min at max TPR; 54 ± 5 bursts/min at max HR) than LT subjects ( n = 4; 41 ± 8 bursts/min at max TPR; 39 ± 8 bursts/min at max HR). The onset of cardiovascular decompensation is a biphasic process in which vasodilation occurs before bradycardia and sympathetic withdrawal. This pattern was similar in LT and HT but occurred earlier in LT subjects. We conclude that sudden bradycardia plays a critical role in the determination of tolerance to central hypovolemia.

Hemodynamic parameters and baroreflex sensitivity during head-up tilt test in patients with neurally mediated syncope

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate differences in hemodynamic parameters and the role of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in patients with a history of neurally mediated syncope (NMS) compared with a control group.

METHODS

Hemodynamic parameters and BRS were continuously measured noninvasively using a Finometer at rest and during passive head-up tilt test (HUT) in patients with a history of NMS (n = 55) and a control group (n = 77). The tilting period was divided into pretest (resting supine position), initial (first 3 minutes of tilting), last (last 3 minutes of tilting), and recovery (3 minutes after tilting was complete) periods.

RESULTS

Decrease in systolic blood pressure (- 14.7 ± 15.7 mm Hg vs - 7.6 ± 14.3 mm Hg, P < 0.01) was more prominent and increase in total systemic peripheral resistance was significantly smaller (67.6 ± 418.7 dyn.s/cm⁵ vs 189.4 ± 261.0 dyn.s/cm⁵ , P = 0.04) from the initial to the last period of HUT in the patient group compared with the control group. BRS was significantly higher during the pretest period (20.1 ± 10.9 ms/mm Hg vs 13.0 ± 8.1 ms/mm Hg, P < 0.01) in the patient group, while the decrease in BRS from the pretest to the initial period was greater (-8.5 ± 6.0 ms/mm Hg vs - 3.2 ± 4.1 ms/mm Hg, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Dysfunctional BRS in response to orthostatic stress might be involved in pathological autonomic cardiac modulation of NMS.

Predictive value of very low frequency at spectral analysis among patients with unexplained syncope assessed by head-up tilt testing

BACKGROUND

The role of heart rate variability (HRV) in the prediction of vasovagal syncope during head-up tilt testing (HUTt) is unclear.

AIM

To evaluate the ability of the spectral components of HRV at rest to predict vasovagal syncope among patients with unexplained syncope referred for HUTt.

METHODS

Twenty-six consecutive patients with unexplained syncope were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent HRV evaluation at rest (very low frequency [VLF], low frequency [LF], high frequency [HF] and LF/HF ratio) and during HUTt. HUTt was performed using the Westminster protocol. Continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring were performed throughout the test.

RESULTS

Eight (31%) patients developed syncope during HUTt. There were no baseline differences in terms of clinical features and HRV variables among patients who developed syncope and those who did not, except for VLF (2421 vs 896ms²; P<0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, including age and sex, VLF was the only independent variable associated with syncope during HUTt (odds ratio 1.002, 95% confidence interval 1.0003-1.0032; P=0.02). The area under the curve at rest was 0.889 for VLF, 0.674 for HF and 0.611 for LF. A value of VLF>2048ms² was the optimal cut-off to predict syncope during HUTt (sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 72.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

VLF at rest predicted the incidence of syncope during HUTt. Further studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary data.

Muscle oxygen saturation increases during head-up tilt-induced (pre)syncope

AIM

To evaluate whether muscle vasodilatation plays a role for hypotension developed during central hypovolaemia, muscle oxygenation (S_m O₂ ) was examined during (pre)syncope induced by head-up tilt (HUT). Skin blood flow (SkBF) and oxygenation (S_skin O₂ ) were determined because evaluation of S_m O₂ may be affected by superficial tissue oxygenation. Furthermore, we evaluated cerebral oxygenation (S_c O₂ ) and middle cerebral artery mean blood flow velocity (MCAv_mean ).

METHODS

Twenty healthy male volunteers (median age 24 years; range 19-38) were subjected to passive 50° HUT for 1 h or until (pre)syncope. S_c O₂ and S_m O₂ (near-infrared spectroscopy), MCAv_mean (transcranial Doppler) along with mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) (Modelflow^® ) were determined.

RESULTS

(Pre)syncopal symptoms appeared in 17 subjects after 11 min (median; range 2-34) accompanied by a decrease in MAP, SV, CO and TPR, while HR remained elevated. During (pre)syncope, S_c O₂ decreased [73% (71-76; mean and 95% CI) to 68% (65-71), P < 0.0001] along with MCAv_mean [40 (37-43) to 32 (29-35) cm s^-1 , P < 0.0001]. In contrast, S_m O₂ increased [63 (56-69)% to 71% (65-78), P < 0.0001], while S_skin O₂ [64% (58-69) to 53% (47-58), P < 0.0001] and SkBF [71 (44-98) compared to a baseline of 99 (72-125) units, P = 0.020] were reduced.

CONCLUSION

We confirm that the decrease in MAP during HUT is associated with a reduction in indices of cerebral perfusion. (Pre)syncope was associated with an increase in S_m O₂ despite reduced S_skin O₂ and SkBF, supporting that muscle vasodilation plays an important role in the circulatory events leading to hypotension during HUT.

Epicardial Fat Thickness is Correlated with Vagal Hyperactivity in Patients with Neurally-Mediated Syncope

BACKGROUND

Epicardial fat tissue has unique endocrine and paracrine functions that affect the cardiac autonomic system. The head-up tilt test (HUTT) is a simple non-invasive measurement that assesses autonomic nervous system dysfunction. We investigated the association between epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and autonomic neural tone, such as vagal tone.

METHODS

A total of 797 consecutive patients (mean age 46.5 years, male: 45.7%) who underwent HUTT and echocardiography between March 2006 and June 2015 were enrolled. EFT was measured during the diastolic phase of the parasternal long axis view. We excluded patients with prior percutaneous coronary intervention, old age (* 70 years old), valvular heart disease, symptomatic arrhythmias and diabetes. We divided patients into two groups based on the HUTT (positive vs. negative).

RESULTS

There were 329 patients (41.3%) with a negative HUTT result and 468 patients (58.7%) with a positive result. The HUTT-positive patients showed a significantly lower waist circumference, body mass index and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, although a significantly higher EFT as compared to the HUTT-negative patients (HUTT-positive, 5.69 ± 1.76 mm vs. HUTT-negative, 5.24 ± 1.60 mm; p < 0.001). EFT > 5.4 mm was associated with a positive HUTT result with 51.7% sensitivity and 63.8% specificity (p < 0.001) on receiving operator characteristic analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that EFT (hazard ratio: 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.30, p = 0.004) was an independent predictor of HUTT-positivity.

CONCLSION

EFT was significantly correlated with positive HUTT, which suggests an association between EFT and autonomic dysregulation.

Typical vasovagal syncope as a "defense mechanism" for the heart by contrasting sympathetic overactivity

Many observations suggest that typical (emotional or orthostatic) vasovagal syncope (VVS) is not a disease, but rather a manifestation of a non-pathological trait. Some authors have hypothesized this type of syncope as a "defense mechanism" for the organism and a few theories have been postulated. Under the human violent conflicts theory, the VVS evolved during the Paleolithic era only in the human lineage. In this evolutionary period, a predominant cause of death was wounding by a sharp object. This theory could explain the occurrence of emotional VVS, but not of the orthostatic one. The clot production theory suggests that the vasovagal reflex is a defense mechanism against hemorrhage in mammals. This theory could explain orthostatic VVS, but not emotional VVS. The brain self-preservation theory is mainly based on the observation that during tilt testing a decrease in cerebral blood flow often precedes the drop in blood pressure and heart rate. The faint causes the body to take on a gravitationally neutral position, and thereby provides a better chance of restoring brain blood supply. However, a decrease in cerebral blood flow has not been demonstrated during negative emotions, which trigger emotional VVS. Under the heart defense theory, the vasovagal reflex seems to be a protective mechanism against sympathetic overactivity and the heart is the most vulnerable organ during this condition. This appears to be the only unifying theory able to explain the occurrence of the vasovagal reflex and its associated selective advantage, during both orthostatic and emotional stress.

[Role of the sympathetic nervous system in vasovagal syncope and rationale for beta-blockers and norepinephrine transporter inhibitors]

Vasovagal or neurocardiogenic syncope is a common clinical situation and, as with other entities associated with orthostatic intolerance, the underlying condition is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. This article reviews various aspects of vasovagal syncope, including its relationship with orthostatic intolerance and the role of the autonomic nervous system in it. A brief history of the problem is given, as well as a description of how the names and associated concepts have evolved. The response of the sympathetic system to orthostatic stress, the physiology of the baroreflex system and the neurohumoral changes that occur with standing are analyzed. Evidence is presented of the involvement of the autonomic nervous system, including studies of heart rate variability, microneurography, cardiac innervation, and molecular genetic studies. Finally, we describe different studies on the use of beta-blockers and norepinephrine transporter inhibitors (sibutramine, reboxetine) and the rationality of their use to prevent this type of syncope.

Analysis of Heart Rate Variability Before and During Tilt Test in Patients with Cardioinhibitory Vasovagal Syncope

BACKGROUND

Cardioinhibitory vasovagal response is uncommon during the tilt test (TT). Heart rate variability (HRV) by use of spectral analysis can distinguish patients with that response.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the HRV in patients with cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope (case group - G1) with that in patients without syncope and with negative response to TT (control group - G2).

METHODS

64 patients were evaluated (mean age, 36.2 years; 35 men) and submitted to TT at 70 degrees, under digital Holter monitoring. The groups were paired for age and sex (G1, 40 patients; G2, 24).

RESULTS

In G1, 21 patients had a type 2A response and 19 had type 2B, with mean TT duration of 20.4 minutes. There was a greater low frequency (LF) component (11,6 versus 4,5 ms2, p=0.001) and a lower low/high frequency ratio in the supine position (3,9 versus 4,5 ms2, p=0.008) in G1, with no difference during TT between the groups. Applying the receiver operating characteristic curve for cardioinhibitory response, the area under the curve was 0.74 for the LF component in the supine position (p = 0.001). The following were observed for the cutoff point of 0.35 ms(2) for the LF component: sensitivity, 97.4%; specificity, 83.3%; positive predictive value, 85.3%; negative predictive value, 96.9%; and positive likelihood ratio, 5.8.

CONCLUSION

HRV in the supine position allowed identifying patients with syncope and cardioinhibitory response with a high negative predictive value and likelihood ratio of 5.8.

The Current Indication for Pacemaker in Patients with Cardioinhibitory Vasovagal Syncope

The most frequent cause of syncope is vasovagal reflex. It is associated with worse quality of life, depression, fatigue and physical injury. Recurrence of vasovagal syncope is an aggravating, reaching the rate of 69%. Initial step and pharmacological treatment may not work, especially in patients with recurrent syncope without prodrome. These patients can present cardioinhibitory response with asystole. Studies were designed to analyses the effectiveness of pacemaker for prevention of syncope. In this review, nonrandomized clinical trials, open-label randomized, double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled, and studies based on tilt test or Implantable Loop Recorder findings will be discussed.

The pathophysiologic mechanisms associated with hypotensive susceptibility

INTRODUCTION

Patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS) and positive tilt table test (TTT) were not found to benefit from pacing in the ISSUE-3 trial despite the presence of spontaneous asystole during monitoring. "Hypotensive susceptibility" unmasked by TTT was reported as a possible explanation. The purpose of this study was to assess the pathophysiologic mechanisms associated with hypotensive susceptibility.

METHODS

366 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of VVS who also had TTT were identified. Baroreflex gain (BRG) in addition to blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) responses during the first 20 min of TTT were analyzed and compared between patients with positive TTT (n = 275, 75 %) and negative TTT (n = 91, 25 %).

RESULTS

The mean BRG was similar between the groups (12.5 ± 6.3 versus 12.4 ± 6.3 ms/mmHg, p = 0.72); however, an age-dependent decrease was noted (17.6 ± 4.8, 15.0 ± 6.0, 10.6 ± 4.2, 10.3 ± 6.4 and 9.9 ± 8.5 ms/mmHg for patients <21, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80 and >80 years old, respectively; p < 0.001). In addition, we saw a main effect of age on the type of response with a greater prevalence of a vasodepressor response in older subjects (p < 0.001). During the first 20 min of TTT, BP was similar in patients with tilt-positive VVS when compared with patients with tilt-negative VVS; however, HR was significantly lower.

CONCLUSION

BRG is similar in tilt-positive VVS patients when compared with tilt-negative VVS patients. An age-dependent decrease in BRG was noted with a higher prevalence of a vasodepressor response seen in older patients. The clinical significance of the blunted HR response in tilt-positive VVS remains to be determined.

Vasovagal Syncope: Hypothesis Focusing on Its Being a Clinical Feature Unique to Humans

Humans live primarily in the upright position; as a result, there is a constant struggle between gravity and needed supply of blood flow to the brain. In certain circumstances brain blood supply may become temporarily insufficient, resulting in syncope. Among the numerous causes of syncope in humans, vasovagal syncope (VVS) is by far the most common. However, despite intensive research, many aspects of the pathophysiology of VVS remain unknown; among these, one of the least well understood is the basis for why VVS is restricted, among vertebrates, to Homo sapiens. In this manuscript we review proposals that have been offered in an attempt to address the issue of the origin of VVS and, although highly speculative, we suggest a new hypothesis (the "brain theory") to try to address the question of why humans, to the exclusion of other species, remain susceptible to VVS. This theory suggests that VVS evolved to offer protection to the brain's functional integrity under certain conditions of severe threat. Although seemingly a disadvantageous evolutionary adaptation, the faint causes the body to take on a gravitationally neutral position, and thereby provides a better chance of restoring brain blood supply and preserving long-term brain function.

Evaluation of the correlation between cardiac and sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity before orthostatic syncope

The study investigates the two different aspects of the baroreflex control resulting in two baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) indexes: i) sympathetic BRS (sBRS); ii) cardiac BRS (cBRS). sBRS was assessed as the slope of the regression line of the conditional probability of detecting a burst on the integrated muscle nerve sympathetic activity (MSNA) given an assigned diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) on DAP. cBRS was estimated from spontaneous heart period (HP) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) via a spectral approach in the low (0.04-0-15 Hz) and high (0.15-0.5 Hz) frequency bands respectively. Both sBRS and cBRS were assessed in eight healthy subjects undergoing three experimental sessions: supine resting position (REST), 80 degrees head-up tilt test (TILT) and before the occurrence of pre-syncope symptoms (TILT_PRE). Results showed a decrease of both sBRS and cBRS during TILT and a baroreflex impairment during TILT_PRE. sBRS and cBRS were linearly correlated during TILT but became uncorrelated during TILT_PRE. Findings suggest a failure of both "baroreflexes" and their disassociation during TILT_PRE.

Sympathoneural and adrenomedullary responses to mental stress

This concept-based review provides historical perspectives and updates about sympathetic noradrenergic and sympathetic adrenergic responses to mental stress. The topic of this review has incited perennial debate, because of disagreements over definitions, controversial inferences, and limited availability of relevant measurement tools. The discussion begins appropriately with Cannon's "homeostasis" and his pioneering work in the area. This is followed by mental stress as a scientific idea and the relatively new notions of allostasis and allostatic load. Experimental models of mental stress in rodents and humans are discussed, with particular attention to ethical constraints in humans. Sections follow on sympathoneural responses to mental stress, reactivity of catecholamine systems, clinical pathophysiologic states, and the cardiovascular reactivity hypothesis. Future advancement of the field will require integrative approaches and coordinated efforts between physiologists and psychologists on this interdisciplinary topic.

Cardiovascular parameters and neural sympathetic discharge variability before orthostatic syncope: role of sympathetic baroreflex control to the vessels

We tested the hypothesis that altered sympathetic baroreceptor control to the vessels (svBRS) and disrupted coupling between blood pressure (BP) fluctuations and muscle sympathetic activity (MSNA) discharge pattern in the low frequency band (LF, around 0.1 Hz) precede vasovagal syncope. Seven healthy males underwent ECG, BP, respiratory, and MSNA recordings at baseline (REST) and during a 15 min 80° head-up tilt, followed by a -10 mmHg step wise increase of lower body negative pressure up to presyncope. Spectral and coherence analyses of systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and MSNA variability provided the indexes of vascular sympathetic modulation, LFSAP, and of the linear coupling between MSNA and SAP in the low frequency band (around 0.1 Hz), K(2)MSNA-SAP(LF). svBRS was assessed as the slope of the regression line between MSNA and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP). Data were analyzed at REST, during asymptomatic and presyncope periods of tilt. svBRS declined during presyncope period compared to REST and asymptomatic tilt. The presyncope period was characterized by a decrease of RR interval, LFMSNA, LFSAP, and K(2)MSNA-SAP(LF) values compared to the asymptomatic one, whereas MSNA burst rate was unchanged. The reduction of svBRS producing an altered coupling between MSNA and SAP variability at 0.1 Hz, may provoke circulatory changes leading to presyncope.

Concepts of scientific integrative medicine applied to the physiology and pathophysiology of catecholamine systems

This review presents concepts of scientific integrative medicine and relates them to the physiology of catecholamine systems and to the pathophysiology of catecholamine-related disorders. The applications to catecholamine systems exemplify how scientific integrative medicine links systems biology with integrative physiology. Concepts of scientific integrative medicine include (i) negative feedback regulation, maintaining stability of the body's monitored variables; (ii) homeostats, which compare information about monitored variables with algorithms for responding; (iii) multiple effectors, enabling compensatory activation of alternative effectors and primitive specificity of stress response patterns; (iv) effector sharing, accounting for interactions among homeostats and phenomena such as hyperglycemia attending gastrointestinal bleeding and hyponatremia attending congestive heart failure; (v) stress, applying a definition as a state rather than as an environmental stimulus or stereotyped response; (vi) distress, using a noncircular definition that does not presume pathology; (vii) allostasis, corresponding to adaptive plasticity of feedback-regulated systems; and (viii) allostatic load, explaining chronic degenerative diseases in terms of effects of cumulative wear and tear. From computer models one can predict mathematically the effects of stress and allostatic load on the transition from wellness to symptomatic disease. The review describes acute and chronic clinical disorders involving catecholamine systems-especially Parkinson disease-and how these concepts relate to pathophysiology, early detection, and treatment and prevention strategies in the post-genome era.

Role of sympathetic nerve activity in the process of fainting

Syncope is defined as a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone, characterized by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous recovery, and the process of syncope progression is here described with two types of sympathetic change. Simultaneous recordings of microneurographically-recorded muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and continuous and noninvasive blood pressure measurement has disclosed what is going on during the course of syncope progression. For vasovagal or neurally mediated syncope, three stages are identified in the course of syncope onset, oscillation, imbalance, and catastrophe phases. Vasovagal syncope is characterized by sympathoexcitation, followed by vagal overcoming via the Bezold-Jarisch reflex. Orthostatic syncope is caused by response failure or a lack of sympathetic nerve activity to the orthostatic challenge, followed by fluid shift and subsequent low cerebral perfusion. Four causes are considered for the compensatory failure that triggers orthostatic syncope: hypovolemia, increased pooling in the lower body, failure to activate sympathetic activity, and failure of vasoconstriction against sympathetic vasoconstrictive stimulation. Many pathophysiological conditions have been described from the perspectives of (1) exaggerated sympathoexcitation and (2) failure to activate the sympathetic nerve. We conclude that the sympathetic nervous system can control cardiovascular function, and its failure results in syncope; however, responses of the system obtained by microneurographically-recorded MSNA would determine the pathophysiology of the onset and progression of syncope, explaining the treatment effect that could be achieved by the analysis of this mechanism.

Sympathetic dysfunction in vasovagal syncope and the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Orthostatic intolerance is the inability to tolerate the upright posture and is relieved by recumbence. It most commonly affects young women and has a major impact on quality of life and psychosocial well-being. Several forms of orthostatic intolerance have been described. The most common one is the recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS) phenotype which presents as a transient and abrupt loss of consciousness and postural tone that is followed by rapid recovery. Another common type of orthostatic intolerance is the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) which is characterized by an excessive rise in heart rate upon standing and is associated with symptoms of presyncope such as light-headedness, fatigue, palpitations, and nausea. Maintenance of arterial pressure under condition of reduced central blood volume during the orthostasis is accomplished in large part through sympathetic efferent nerve traffic to the peripheral vasculature. Therefore sympathetic nervous system (SNS) dysfunction is high on the list of possible contributors to the pathophysiology of orthostatic intolerance. Investigations into the role of the SNS in orthostatic intolerance have yielded mixed results. This review outlines the current knowledge of the function of the SNS in both VVS and POTS.

Pathophysiology of neurally mediated syncope: Role of cardiac output and total peripheral resistance

Syncope is a common clinical condition occurring even in otherwise healthy people without underlying cardiovascular disease. Neurally mediated syncope is by far the most common cause of syncope in individuals without any structural heart disease. Based on traditional wisdom, loss of sympathetic tone with relaxation of vascular smooth muscle is the key mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of syncope, especially in patients without an acute decrease in heart rate. However, this concept has recently been challenged. Some microneurographic studies indicate that sympathetic withdrawal may not always be a prerequisite even for the development of classic "vasodepressor" forms of syncope. Conversely, a decrease in cardiac output appears to be a determinant factor for syncope in most circumstances. This article reviews the relative contribution of cardiac output versus sympathetic vasoconstriction in neurally mediated syncope in otherwise healthy individuals. It is suggested that a moderate to severe fall in cardiac output with or without vasodilatation may contribute to syncope.

Autonomic nerve activity and blood pressure in ambulatory dogs

BACKGROUND

The relationship between cardiac autonomic nerve activity and blood pressure (BP) changes in ambulatory dogs is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to test the hypotheses that simultaneous termination of stellate ganglion nerve activity (SGNA) and vagal nerve activity (VNA) predisposes to spontaneous orthostatic hypotension and that specific β₂-adrenoceptor blockade prevents the hypotensive episodes.

METHODS

We used a radiotransmitter to record SGNA, VNA, and BP in eight ambulatory dogs. Video imaging was used to document postural changes.

RESULTS

Of these eight dogs, five showed simultaneous sympathovagal discharges in which the minute-by-minute integrated SGNA correlated with integrated VNA in a linear pattern (group 1). In these dogs, abrupt termination of simultaneous SGNA-VNA at the time of postural changes (as documented by video imaging) was followed by abrupt (>20 mm Hg over four beats) drops in BP. Dogs without simultaneous on/off firing (group 2) did not have drastic drops in pressure. ICI-118,551 (ICI, a specific β₂-blocker) infused at 3 µg/kg/h for 7 days significantly increased BP from 126 mm Hg (95% confidence interval 118-133) to 133 mm Hg (95% confidence interval 125-141; P = .0001). The duration of hypotension (mean systolic BP <100 mm Hg) during baseline accounted for 7.1% of the recording. The percentage was reduced by ICI to 1.3% (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

Abrupt simultaneous termination of SGNA-VNA was observed at the time of orthostatic hypotension in ambulatory dogs. Selective β₂-adrenoceptor blockade increased BP and reduced the duration of hypotension in this model.

Orthostatic function after renal sympathetic denervation in patients with resistant hypertension

INTRODUCTION

Catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) reduces local and whole-body sympathetic activity and blood pressure (BP) in patients with resistant hypertension. However, safety concerns exist concerning the development of orthostatic dysfunction after RDN.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 36 patients (65 ± 7.6 years, 75% male) with resistant hypertension (office BP 162 ± 24/91 ± 14 mm Hg) treated with 4.8 ± 1.7 antihypertensive drugs, tilt table testing (TTT) was performed before and three months after RDN. Response to RDN was defined as a reduction in office systolic BP (SBP) ≥ 10 mm Hg three months after RDN. Responders (n=26; 72.2%) and non-responders (n=10; 27.8%) were evaluated separately. After RDN, office SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) were reduced by 29 ± 6.2/14 ± 3.6 mm Hg (p<0.0001; p=0.0002) only in responders. During TTT, SBP and DBP in supine position were only reduced in responders. Resting heart rate (HR) decreased in responders but not in non-responders by 5.9 ± 1.7beats/min (p=0.0016). Mean and minimal SBP were not altered during passive tilting. In the responder group, ∆SBP was reduced in the initial phase of tilting. The adaptive increase of HR was preserved in both groups after RDN, while only in responders mean and minimal HR were reduced after passive tilting. Following drug provocation, mean and minimal SBP during all phases of passive tilting remained unchanged. ∆SBP, ∆HR and total number of (pre-)syncopes were neither influenced by RDN nor differing between responders and non-responders.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with resistant hypertension, RDN reduced office BP, supine BP and HR during TTT without causing orthostatic dysfunction or (pre-)syncopes three months after treatment.

Disruption of phase synchronization between blood pressure and muscle sympathetic nerve activity in postural vasovagal syncope

Withdrawal of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) may not be necessary for the precipitous fall of peripheral arterial resistance and arterial pressure (AP) during vasovagal syncope (VVS). We tested the hypothesis that the MSNA-AP baroreflex entrainment is disrupted before VVS regardless of MSNA withdrawal using the phase synchronization between blood pressure and MSNA during head-up tilt (HUT) to measure reflex coupling. We studied eight VVS subjects and eight healthy control subjects. Heart rate, AP, and MSNA were measured during supine baseline and at early, mid, late, and syncope stages of HUT. Phase synchronization indexes, measuring time-dependent differences between MSNA and AP phases, were computed. Directionality indexes, indicating the influence of AP on MSNA (neural arc) and MSNA on AP (peripheral arc), were computed. Heart rate was greater in VVS compared with control subjects during early, mid, and late stages of HUT and significantly declined at syncope (P = 0.04). AP significantly decreased during mid, late, and syncope stages of tilt in VVS subjects only (P = 0.001). MSNA was not significantly different between groups during HUT (P = 0.700). However, the phase synchronization index significantly decreased during mid and late stages in VVS subjects but not in control subjects (P < .001). In addition, the neural arc was significantly affected more than the peripheral arc before syncope. In conclusion, VVS is accompanied by a loss of the synchronous AP-MSNA relationship with or without a loss in MSNA at faint. This provides insight into the mechanisms behind the loss of vasoconstriction and drop in AP independent of MSNA at the time of vasovagal faint.

Update on the theory and management of orthostatic intolerance and related syndromes in adolescents and children

Orthostasis means standing upright. One speaks of orthostatic intolerance (OI) when signs, such as hypotension, and symptoms, such as lightheadedness, occur when upright and are relieved by recumbence. The experience of transient mild OI is part of daily life. 'Initial orthostatic hypotension' on rapid standing is a normal form of OI. However, other people experience OI that seriously interferes with quality of life. These include episodic acute OI, in the form of postural vasovagal syncope, and chronic OI, in the form of postural tachycardia syndrome. Less common is neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, which is an aspect of autonomic failure. Normal orthostatic physiology and potential mechanisms for OI are discussed, including forms of sympathetic hypofunction, forms of sympathetic hyperfunction and OI that results from regional blood volume redistribution. General and specific treatment options are proposed.

Arterial baroreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity under orthostatic stress in humans

The mechanisms by which blood pressure is maintained against the orthostatic stress caused by gravity's effect on the fluid distribution within the body are important issues in physiology, especially in humans who usually adopt an upright posture. Peripheral vasoconstriction and increased heart rate (HR) are major cardiovascular adjustments to orthostatic stress and comprise part of the reflex response elicited via the carotid sinus and aortic baroreceptors (arterial baroreflex: ABR) and cardiopulmonary stretch receptors (cardiopulmonary baroreflex). In a series of studies, we have been characterizing the ABR-mediated regulation of cardiovascular hemodynamics and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) while applying orthostatic stress in humans. We have found that under orthostatic stress, dynamic carotid baroreflex responses are modulated as exemplified by the increases in the MSNA, blood pressure, and HR responses elicited by carotid baroreflex unloading and the shorter period of MSNA suppression, comparable reduction and faster recovery of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and greater HR response to carotid baroreflex stimulation. Our results also show that ABR-mediated beat-to-beat control over burst incidence, burst strength and total MSNA is progressively modulated as orthostatic stress is increased until induction of syncope, and that the sensitivity of ABR control over the aforementioned MSNA variables is substantially reduced during the development of syncope. We suggest that in humans, the modulation of ABR function under orthostatic stress may be one of the mechanisms by which blood pressure is maintained and orthostatic hypotension limited, and impairment of ABR control over sympathetic vasomotor activity leads to the severe hypotension associated with orthostatic syncope.

Mechanisms of sympathetic regulation in orthostatic intolerance

Sympathetic circulatory control is key to the rapid cardiovascular adjustments that occur within seconds of standing upright (orthostasis) and which are required for bipedal stance. Indeed, patients with ineffective sympathetic adrenergic vasoconstriction rapidly develop orthostatic hypotension, prohibiting effective upright activities. One speaks of orthostatic intolerance (OI) when signs, such as hypotension, and symptoms, such as lightheadedness, occur when upright and are relieved by recumbence. The experience of transient mild OI is part of daily life. However, many people experience episodic acute OI as postural faint or chronic OI in the form of orthostatic tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension that significantly reduce the quality of life. Potential mechanisms for OI are discussed including forms of sympathetic hypofunction, forms of sympathetic hyperfunction, and OI that results from regional blood volume redistribution attributable to regional adrenergic hypofunction.

The main determinant of hypotension in nitroglycerine tilt-induced vasovagal syncope

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess the main determinant of the fall in blood pressure (BP) responsible for the head-up tilt testing-induced syncope.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study involved 200 patients (mean age 42 ± 3; 81 male) with syncope of unknown origin after the first evaluation. According to the response to the diagnostic tilt test, the population study was divided into four groups: Group I with mixed vasovagal syncope; Group II with cardioinhibitory syncope; Group III with vasodepressive syncope; Group IV: 40 patients with clinical syncope but no tilt-induced syncope. Finger arterial BP (Portapres, TNO, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) was recorded during tilt testing. Left ventricular stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were computed from the pressure pulsations (Modelflow, TNO, Amsterdam, the Netherlands). During syncopal phase, the TPR decreased significantly in Group III, and increased in Group I and in Group II. CO decreased in Group I and in Group II and did not change significantly in Group III. SV decreased significantly in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that the arterial system appears to be the main determinant of the BP fall in vasodepressive vasovagal syncope; while the impaired constrictive response of the venous system, leading to reduced venous return to the heart, appears to be the main determinant of BP fall in mixed and cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope.