Reduced Heart Rate Research Articles

Maladaptive cardiac and behavioral reactivity to repeated vicarious stress exposure in socially bonded male prairie vole siblings

Behaviors, emotions, and cardiovascular functions are influenced by stress. But these detrimental effects are not exclusive to an individual that directly experiences stress. Stress is also experienced vicariously through observation of another individual undergoing stress. The current study used the strong social bonds in socially monogamous prairie voles to determine effects of repeated vicarious stress on cardiac and behavioral outcomes. Male prairie voles were exposed to either a 5-minute open field chamber alone [separate (control)] or while concurrently witnessing their sibling undergo a tail-suspension stressor [concurrent (experimental)], repeated across 4 sessions. Cardiac responses in animals in the open field were evaluated for heart rate and heart rate variability prior to, during, and after each test session, and behaviors were evaluated for motion, exploration, stress reactivity, and anxiety-relevant behaviors during each test session. The concurrent condition (versus separate) displayed increased heart rate and reduced heart rate variability during repeated test sessions, and impaired recovery of these parameters following the test sessions. The pattern of disturbances suggests that both increased sympathetic and reduced parasympathetic influence contributed to the cardiac responses. Animals in the concurrent condition (versus separate) displayed disrupted rearing, grooming, and motion; reduced duration of center section exploration; and increased freezing responses across repeated test sessions. Collectively, cardiac and behavioral stress reactivity are increased as a function of vicarious stress in prairie voles, which are evident across repeated experiences of stress. These results inform our understanding of the experience of vicarious stress in social species, including humans.

Comparing the Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention and Progressive Muscle Relaxation in a Military Context

ObjectivesWhile stressors of military deployment are known to have profound effects on health, less is known about effective methods for promoting health. A few studies have examined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in this context; however, fewer have used an active control group and objective health indicators. Therefore, this study examined the effects of an MBI in comparison to a similarly structured traditional stress management intervention (progressive muscle relaxation, PMR) on health indicators among military personnel.MethodUsing a 2 (pre vs. post) × 3 (group: MBI, PMR vs. inactive control group, ICG) experimental mixed design, participants (MBI, n = 118; PMR, n = 55; ICG, n = 156) answered baseline and post-intervention self-reported measures. Physiological parameters were assessed before and after each session.ResultsResults showed that MBI is superior to PMR and ICG, leading to higher increases in mindfulness, positive affect, and self-care, and greater decreases in physical complaints. This is also confirmed by objective data. Participants in the MBI demonstrated improved heart rate variability and reduced heart rate, while no change was evident for PMR and ICG. However, both MBI and PMR were equally effective in reducing strain.ConclusionsThis study provides further evidence for the effectiveness of MBIs in this specific professional group based on rigorous methodology (comparing to a competing intervention, self-reported and objective measures). MBI is even more effective than PMR as a traditional health intervention in terms of promoting mindfulness, positive affect, and health behavior, as well as reducing complaints.PreregistrationThis study is not preregistered.

Comparison of massage and prone position on heart rate and blood oxygen saturation level in preterm neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units

BackgroundMany years ago, it was proposed that prone positioning and infant massage would benefit preterm and babies with low birth weight.Aim of the workEvaluating the effectiveness of massage therapy and the neonatal prone position on the heart rate (HR) and blood oxygen saturation level (SPO2) of premature neonates in neonatal intensive care units.Subject and methodsOur study was conducted as a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial at the NICUs of Menoufia University Hospital. After enrollment, the (240) cases were divided into group A: (80) infants with prone position, group B: (80) infants with massage therapy (as intervention groups), group C: (80) infants as a control group (without intervention).ResultsRegarding group A, there was a significant difference between the first and last days of intervention regarding HR and SPO2 at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Regarding group B, there was a significant difference between the first and last days of intervention regarding HR and SPO2 at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Regarding group C, there was no significant difference between the First and last days of intervention regarding HR at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min.ConclusionProne position and infant’s massage equally reduce Heart Rate and increase preterm babies' blood oxygen saturation level neonates admitted in NICU.

Facial fanning reduces heart rate but not tolerance to a simulated hemorrhagic challenge following exercise heat stress in young healthy humans.

We investigated whether reducing face skin temperature alters arterial blood pressure control and lower body negative pressure (LBNP) tolerance after exercise heat stress. Eight subjects (1 female; age, 27 ± 9 yr) exercised at ∼63% V̇o2max until core temperature had increased ∼1.5°C before undergoing LBNP to presyncope either with fanning to return face skin temperature to baseline (Δ-5°C, Fan trial) or without (No Fan trial). LBNP tolerance was quantified as cumulative stress index (CSI; mmHg·min). Before LBNP, whole body and face skin temperatures were elevated from baseline in both trials (38.0 ± 0.5°C and 36.3 ± 0.5°C, respectively, both P < 0.001). During LBNP, face skin temperature decreased in the Fan trial (30.9 ± 1.0°C) but was unchanged in the No Fan trial (36.1 ± 0.6°C, between trials P < 0.001). Mean arterial pressure was not different between trials (P = 0.237) and was similarly reduced at presyncope in both trials (from 82 ± 7 to 67 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.001). During LBNP, heart rate was attenuated in the Fan trial at Mid LBNP (146 ± 16 vs. 158 ± 12 beats/min, P = 0.036) and at peak heart rate (158 ± 15 vs. 170 ± 15 beats/min; P < 0.001). LBNP tolerance was not different between trials (321 ± 248 vs. 328 ± 115 mmHg·min, P = 0.851). In exercise heat-stressed individuals, lowering face skin temperature to normothermic values suppressed heart rate thereby altering cardiovascular control during a simulated hemorrhagic challenge without reducing tolerance.

Psychopathic Traits Partly Explained the Reduced Vagal Tone of Batterers Coping with Acute Stress

ABSTRACT The importance of psychopathy for perpetration and maintenance of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been speculated. However, less is known about whether psychopathy would explain a psychophysiological response (cardiorespiratory and electrodermal) of IPV perpetrators dealing with acute stressors. Therefore, we first aimed to assess whether IPV perpetrators (n = 58) showed differences in psychopathic traits and their psychophysiological response to acute stress compared to nonviolent men (n = 53). Second, we examined in both groups whether psychopathic traits would explain a psychophysiological response when dealing with acute laboratory stress. Our results revealed that IPV perpetrators differed from controls in all the psychopathic traits, scoring higher on all psychopathy scales. Moreover, IPV perpetrators showed lower total respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) levels than controls. Finally, regarding high total psychopathy scores, factor 1 and affective facet entailed low RSA levels in both groups and scoring high in lifestyle facet of factor 2 explained reduced heart rate (HR) changes in response to acute stress in both groups. All these results highlighted that a reduced vagal tone could be characteristic of psychopathic traits, especially for the affective facet of psychopathy. Therefore, it would be important to incorporate biological markers in combination with psychological measurements to clearly diagnose IPV perpetrators before starting intervention programs. This would increase our ability to improve IPV intervention therapeutic targets and reduce risk of recidivism.

Ginsenoside Rb2 improves heart failure by down-regulating miR-216a-5p to promote autophagy and inhibit apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Ginsenoside Rb2 is beneficial in cardiovascular disease treatment, yet its role in heart failure (HF) is obscure. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of ginsenoside Rb2 on HF. The left anterior descending branch-ligated HF rat model and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) H9c2 cell model were constructed. Ginsenoside Rb2 were applied for intervention. Heart function indexes, miR-216a-5p expression, autophagy, oxidative stress, apoptosis, cell morphology, and proliferation were detected to explore the effect of ginsenoside Rb2 on HF. Overexpression of miR-216a-5p was employed to explore the specific mechanism of ginsenoside Rb2 on HF. Ginsenoside Rb2 improved the heart function of HF rats, including the reduction of heart rate, LVEDP, and heart weight/body weight ratio, and the increase of LVSP, +dP/dtmax, -dP/dtmax, LVEF, and LVFS. It also down-regulated miR-216a-5p expression and enhanced OGD/R-induced cardiomyocyte viability. Ginsenoside Rb2 up-regulated Bcl2, LC3B II/I, and Beclin1, and down-regulated Bax, Caspase-3, and p62 in the myocardium of HF rats and OGD/R-induced H9c2 cells. Moreover, ginsenoside Rb2 increased the levels of SOD and CAT, but decreased the levels of MDA and ROS in the myocardium of HF rats and OGD/R-induced H9c2 cells. However, overexpression of miR-216a-5p promoted the apoptosis and oxidative stress of cardiomyocytes and inhibited autophagy, thus reversing the therapeutic effect of ginsenoside Rb2 on HF in vivo and in vitro. Ginsenoside Rb2 demonstrated potential as a therapeutic intervention for HF by enhancing autophagy and reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress through miR-216a-5p downregulation. Further research could explore its application in clinical trials and investigate the complex mechanism networks underlying its effects.

Heart rate variability, interoceptive accuracy and functional connectivity in middle-aged and older patients with depression

Background and objectiveMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with increased cardiac morbidity. Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) as well as lower interoceptive accuracy (IAc) have been observed in MDD as possible sympathomimetic mechanisms related to insula activity. The salience network (SN) anchored by the insula has been posited as a crucial functional network for cardiac sensations and the default mode network (DMN) for MDD. This study aimed to investigate the relation between insula-centered and depression-related brain networks, IAc and HRV in patients with depression as a possible mechanism by which MDD increases cardiac morbidity. Methods30 depressed inpatients and 30 healthy subjects (derived from the population-based “Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure Stages A-B and Determinants of Progression” cohort study, STAAB) all over 50 years were examined. HRV and IAc were assessed via electrocardiogram and a heartbeat perception task prior to a 3 T resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Seed-to-voxel resting-state functional connectivity (FC) analysis was conducted with six seeds in the insula and two seeds in the DMN. ResultsDepressed patients on the one hand showed decreased FC between insula cortex and frontal as well occipital cortical brain regions compared to controls. Depressed patients on the other hand exhibited higher FC between the medial prefrontal cortex and the insula cortex compared to controls. However, depressed patients did not differ in HRV nor in IAc compared to controls. ConclusionThus, differences in insula-related brain networks in depression in our study were not mirrored by differences in HRV and IAc. Future research is needed to define the mechanism by which depression increases cardiac morbidity.

Stress Response Pattern of Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Functional Somatic Syndromes.

Functional somatic syndromes (FSSs) represent a clinically important group of disorders that are often stress-related. Their autonomic pathophysiology, including reduced heart rate variability (HRV), has been reported. However, the response pattern to mental stress and recovery in FSSs remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to clarify the pattern of autonomic stress response and recovery to mental arithmetic stress in patients with FSS compared to that in healthy controls. This cross-sectional study included 79 patients with FSS who visited the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine at a university hospital in Japan and 39 healthy controls. Following a mood questionnaire and obtaining epidemiologic information, HRV was measured during three periods (5 min each): relaxation baseline resting, stress (mental arithmetic task), and post-stress recovery period. The HRV analysis included inter-beat interval, low frequency power, and high frequency power. Compared to healthy controls, patients with FSS exhibited significantly higher scores on the mood questionnaire, prolonged duration of illness, and decreased functionality in daily activities. While the healthy control group showed a pronounced stress response pattern with a significant decrease in vagal HRV and recovery, the FSS group showed a "flat" vagal stress response pattern, and the HRV in the FSS group was lower at relaxation baseline, remained low during the stress, and did not change post stress. Patients with severe FSS exhibit an altered stress response pattern. Our results could provide significant clues for the diagnosis and treatment of such patients, as well as useful insights into the relationship between stress and illness.

Chronic kidney disease is associated with cognitive dysfunction and cardiovascular remodeling in aged male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVD), including increased central arterial stiffness (CAS), accompany chronic kidney disease (CKD) development. An increase in pulse wave velocity (PWV), an index for CAS, is implicated in age‐associated changes in the brain and potentiates the development of CI in CVD and CKD in humans and animal models. The aim of this study was to determine whether inducing CKD accelerates the development of CI and CAS in aged male and female rats.MethodTen months‐old male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed with 0.25% adenine diet to accelerate CKD (n = 10‐12; CKD‐male, CKD‐female) or regular diet (n = 8‐10; CNT‐male, CNT‐female) for 8weeks. Body weight (BW), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), aortic‐PWV (aPWV), behavioral tests, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and hematocrit were assessed at the endpoint. The anxiety‐like behavior was tested in open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM). Morris water maze (MWM) and cross maze (CM) were used to test spatial memory. The data were analyzed using two‐way ANOVA.ResultCKD development in both sexes was accompanied by kidneys enlargement, increase in BUN and creatinine, and reduction in hematocrit. In CKD‐male the kidney function was more compromised with higher levels of BUN and creatinine vs. CKD‐female (Table 1). CKD‐male had lower BW and SBP vs. CNT‐male (Table 1). CKD induced a reduction in HR, increase in aPWV and aortic weight in both sexes vs. respective CNT‐groups (Figure 1). Both CKD‐male and CKD‐female demonstrated a tendency of increase in path length to find the hidden platform in MWM, e.g., both sexes had numerically impaired spatial memory. CKD‐male spent less time in the center of OFT, a measure of anxiety, and loss of spatial memory, with a reduction of spontaneous alternation task assessed by CM. CKD‐female exhibited higher level of anxiety spending less time in open arm of EPM vs. CNT‐female (Figure 2).ConclusionCKD development in old male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats was accompanied by an increase in CAS, cardiovascular remodeling, and cognitive dysfunction. In CKD, CI affected different cognitive domains in the old males than in the age‐matched females.Supported by NIA/NIH/IRP

Role of Bisoprolol in Heart Failure Management: A Consensus Statement from India.

In India, heart failure (HF) is an important health concern affecting younger age groups than the western population. A limited number of Indian patients receive guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). Selective β-1 blockers (BB) are one of the GDMTs in HF and play an important role by decreasing the sympathetic overdrive. The BB reduces heart rate (HR) reverse the adverse cardiac (both ventricular and atrial), vascular, and renovascular remodeling seen in HF. Bisoprolol, a β-1 blocker, has several advantages and can be used across a wide spectrum of HF presentations and in patients with HF and comorbid conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation (AF), post-myocardial infarction (MI), uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and renal impairment. Despite its advantages, bisoprolol is not optimally utilized for managing HF in India. This consensus builds on updated evidence on the efficacy and safety of bisoprolol in HF and recommends its place in therapy with a focus on Indian patients with HF.

The effects of relaxation techniques following acute, high intensity football training on parasympathetic reactivation

BackgroundEvidence shows relaxation techniques reactivate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) following physiological stressors such as exercise. As such, these techniques may be useful following exercise training of high intensity sports, like collegiate football.PurposeTo evaluate the impact of mindfulness and rest activities on PNS reactivation following training sessions, in a sample of Division-I collegiate, male football athletes.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional, pre-post experimental design among 38 football athletes. Following three training sessions, each separated by one week, athletes were exposed to three groups: mindfulness, rest, and no-intervention. Athletes in the mindfulness group laid supine in a darkened room, while performing 15 min of guided breathing and body scans. The rest group remained seated in a lighted room, performing 15 min of restful activities (e.g., talking). The no-intervention group was instructed to perform usual post-training activities (e.g., showering). Heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR) and two HR variability (HRV) indices were measured via an armband monitor (Warfighter Monitor, Tiger Tech Solutions, Inc, Miami, FL) equipped with electrocardiographic and photoplethysmography capabilities. HRV indices included standard deviation of the N-N intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive RR interval differences (rMSSD). Within and between-group differences were determined via analysis of variance (ANOVA) and corrected for multiple comparisons familywise error.ResultsStatistically significant reductions in HR and RR were observed across all groups: −81.6, −66.4, −40.9 bpm and −31.7, −26.9, and −19.0 breaths⋅min−1, respectively. The mindfulness and rest groups exhibited a larger within-group reduction in HR and RR compared to the no-intervention group, p &amp;lt; 0.0000. Additionally, the mindfulness group showed a larger reduction in HR and RR compared to the rest group, p &amp;lt; 0.05. Post-intervention HR and RRs were significantly lower in the mindfulness group relative to the no-intervention group (77.0 vs. 120.1 bpm, respectively). Similar results were observed for RR (15.0 vs. 23.6 breaths⋅min−1, respectively) and HRV indices (SDNN: 46.9 vs. 33.1 ms and rMSSD: 17.9 vs. 13.8 ms, respectively) Athletes in the rest group showed significantly lower post-intervention HR (−30.2 bpm, 89.9 vs. 120.1 bpm, respectively), RR (−4.3 breaths⋅min−1, 19.3 vs. 23.6 breaths⋅min−1, respectively) and significantly higher HRV (SDNN: 42.9 vs. 33.1 ms and rMSSD: 16.7 vs. 13.8 ms, respectively) compared to their no-intervention counterparts.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that athletes engaging in either 15-minute guided mindfulness or rest activities (e.g., sitting) post training, may facilitate PNS reactivation. Implementing these strategies may accelerate recovery, improving performance. Longitudinal, randomized controlled trials among diverse sports are encouraged.

Nicotine Formulation Influences the Autonomic and Arrhythmogenic Effects of Electronic Cigarettes.

Evidence is mounting that electronic cigarette (e-cig) use induces cardiac sympathetic dominance and electrical dysfunction conducive to arrhythmias and dependent upon nicotine. A variety of nicotine types and concentrations are available in e-cigs, but their relative cardiovascular effects remain unclear. Here we examine how different nicotine forms (racemic, free base, and salt) and concentrations influence e-cig-evoked cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis and provide a mechanism for nicotine-salt-induced autonomic imbalance. ECG-telemetered C57BL/6J mice were exposed to filtered air (FA) or e-cig aerosols from propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin solvents either without nicotine (vehicle) or with increasing nicotine concentrations (1%, 2.5%, and 5%) for three 9-minute puff sessions per concentration. Spontaneous ventricular premature beat (VPB) incidence rates, heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV) were compared between treatments. Subsequently, to test the role of β1-adrenergic activation in e-cig-induced cardiac effects, mice were pretreated with atenolol and exposed to either FA or 2.5% nicotine salt. During puffing and washout phases, ≥2.5% racemic nicotine reduced heart rate and increased HRV relative to FA and vehicle controls, indicating parasympathetic dominance. Relative to both controls, 5% nicotine salt elevated heart rate and decreased HRV during washout, suggesting sympathetic dominance, and also increased VPB frequency. Atenolol abolished e-cig-induced elevations in heart rate and declines in HRV during washout, indicating e-cig-evoked sympathetic dominance is mediated by β1-adrenergic stimulation. Our findings suggest that inhalation of e-cig aerosols from nicotine-salt-containing e-liquids could increase the cardiovascular risks of vaping by inducing sympathetic dominance and cardiac arrhythmias. Exposure to e-cig aerosols containing commercially relevant concentrations of nicotine salts may increase nicotine delivery and impair cardiac function by eliciting β1-adrenoceptor-mediated sympathoexcitation and provoking ventricular arrhythmias. If confirmed in humans, our work suggests that regulatory targeting of nicotine salts through minimum pH standards or limits on acid additives in e-liquids may mitigate the public health risks of vaping.

Effect of environmental level of methomyl on hatching, morphology, immunity and development related genes expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo

The extensive use of carbamate pesticides has led to a range of environmental and health problems, such as surface and groundwater contamination, and endocrine disorders in organisms. In this study, we focused on examining the effects of toxic exposure to the carbamate pesticide methomyl on the hatching, morphology, immunity and developmental gene expression levels in zebrafish embryos. Four concentrations of methomyl (0, 2, 20, and 200 μg/L) were administered to zebrafish embryos for a period of 96 h. The study found that exposure to methomyl accelerated the hatching process of zebrafish embryos, with the strongest effect recorded at the concentration of 2 μg/L. Methomyl exposure also trigged significantly reductions in heart rate and caused abnormalities in larvae morphology, and it also stimulated the synthesis and release of several inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and INF-α, lowered the IgM contents, ultimately enhancing inflammatory response and interfering with immune function. All of these showed the significant effects on exposure time, concentration and their interaction (Time × Concentration). Furthermore, the body length of zebrafish exposed to methomyl for 96 h was significantly shorter, particularly at higher concentrations (200 μg/L). Methomyl also affected the expression levels of genes associated with development (down-regulated igf1, bmp2b, vasa, dazl and piwi genes), demonstrating strong developmental toxicity and disruption of the endocrine system, with the most observed at the concentration of 200 μg/L and 96 h exposure to methomyl. The results of this study provide valuable reference information on the potential damage of methomyl concentrations in the environment on fish embryo development, while also supplementing present research on the immunotoxicity of methomyl.

Evaluating Cardiovascular Changes After a Single Yoga Session: A Retrospective Study

Aim and objective: This retrospective review of clinical data was done at the School of Yoga Therapy (SYT) (formerly Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER)) of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV) to determine the cardiovascular (CV) effects of a single yoga session in patients of different medical conditions as well as in normal subjects. Methods: Data of 6026 patients (3962 female, 1880 male, and 184 transgender) who attended yoga therapy sessions at SYT. Heart rate (HR), systolic (SP) and diastolic pressure (DP) had been recorded using non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) apparatus Participants were undergoing appropriate yoga therapy protocols as per their condition while normal subjects had a general schedule of practice. Results: There were statistically significant reductions (p&lt;0.001) in all the studied CV parameters following the yoga session. Conclusion: There is a healthy reduction in HR, BP, and derived CV indices following a single yoga session. A similar study published earlier in 2013 from SYT (formerly CYTER) has been done with a larger population, and the effect of Yoga therapy on different medical conditions is proved yet again.

Evaluation of physiological parameters and gaze behaviour of air pistol shooters related to performance outcomes

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological parameters and quiet eye (QE) of air pistol shooters in relation to performance outcomes. QE duration, skin conductance (SC), and heart rate (HR) were recorded for 20 shooters (10 novices and 10 intermediates) during shooting. All variables were examined according to the score and total shots. Physiological parameters were evaluated according to the shooting phases. Intermediate shooters exhibited significantly longer QE duration than novices (p < .001). There were no significant differences in QE duration and normalised SC according to the score and normalised SC between groups (p > .05). In SC, an increase in the preparation and resting phase and a decrease in the aiming phase were observed in both groups (p < .001). Intermediate shooters had lower HR than novices in all phases (p < .001). Additionally, more HR changes were detected in the intermediate shooters than in novices. HR of 10-score shots was lower than other shots (p < .05). Intermediate shooters exhibited longer QE duration than novices and they can decelerate their HR before shots. Coaches are recommended to incorporate exercises into training programmes that will enhance the visual focusing skills and reduce heart rate for novice shooters.

Versatile Effects of GABA Oolong Tea on Improvements in Diastolic Blood Pressure, Alpha Brain Waves, and Quality of Life.

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that using a new manufacturing technology to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-fortified oolong (GO) tea could relieve human stress and exert versatile physiological benefits. The purpose of this human study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of daily GO tea consumption on improvements in blood pressure, relaxation-related brain waves, and quality of life (QOL) over a period of 28 consecutive days. Total polyphenols, major catechins, and free amino acids were analyzed via an HPLC assay. Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, α brain waves (index of relaxation), and the eight-item QOL score were investigated on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The chemical analysis results showed that GO tea contained the most abundant amino acids and GABA, contributing to the relaxation activity. Among all study participants, the daily consumption of GO tea could reduce systolic blood pressure on day 21 and diastolic blood pressure on day 28 (p < 0.05 for both). For participants with pre-hypertension, GO tea could effectively reduce heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure on day 28 (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, incremental changes in alpha brain waves and QOL scores were also demonstrated (p < 0.05 for both). This study suggests that GO tea might potentially serve as a natural source for alternative therapy to improve blood pressure, stress relief, and QOL.

Pesticide exposure an unforseen trigger for atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background/Introduction Over the last few decades, the use of pesticides for improving crop yield has continued to soar. Recent evidence shows the residuals of pesticides in many fruits and vegetables in the local supermarket. Although acute exposure to pesticides has been related to various severe illness, including cardiovascular dysfunction, chronic pesticide exposure has been poorly studied. Herein we study the cardiotoxic effect of commonly used pesticides to the most common cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF). Purpose Whether exposure to commonly-used pesticides triggers AF if so, explore the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods Ten commonly used pesticides in the Netherlands, including glyphosate, MCPA and boscalid, were used to study cardiotoxicity using experimental Drosophila and rat model systems for AF. Drosophila were exposed to three varying pesticide concentrations, ranging from reported environment concentrations, LD50 and high dose, followed by survival and heart wall measurements (heart rate (HR) and arrhythmicity index). In addition, rats were exposed to four pesticides, paraquat, glyphosate, round-up and MCPA for 16 months followed by AF detection (ECG) and Westernblot and metabolomic analyses of the atrial tissue samples. Results A dose dependant survival curve was observed of Drosophila fed with pesticides compared to controls. In prepupae a significant reduction in HR and increase in arrhythmicity index was found for all? utilized pesticides. Furthermore, a significant increase in AF and atrial arrhythmic episodes was observed in rats treated with pesticides (15-70%) compared to non-treated control rats (0%). Metabolomic analyses in rats revealed a significant increase in mitochondrial supercomplexes and 6-phosphoglyconlactate levels in pesticide treated rats compared to controls, suggesting a role for mitochondrial and energy dysfunction to underlie pesticide-induced AF. Conclusion(s) This study provides evidence that chronic exposure to commonly-used pesticides in the Netherlands affects longevity, heart wall function in Drosophila and triggers atrial arrhythmia and AF in rats. Likely, the pesticides impair mitochondrial function and energy metabolism.

Heart rate reduction and outcomes in heart failure outpatients

Abstract Aim Pharmacologic reduction of heart rate (HR) with beta blockers (BB) and/or ivabradine has been associated with improved survival in patients with heart failure (HF) in sinus rhythm. We analyzed the impact of different HR-reducing drug treatments on outcomes in a cohort of outpatients with heart failure (HF). Methods Consecutive patients with HF and sinus rhythm (SR) referred to a specialized tertiary HF service offering advanced therapy options including assist device and heart transplantation were prospectively enrolled from August 2015 until March 2018. Clinical characteristics were assessed at baseline. We performed Cox regression analyses to examine the effect of the resting HR and the drug regimen (BB in submaximal dose [group 1], BB in maximum tolerated dose [group 2], or BB in maximum tolerated dose plus ivabradine [group 3]) on all-cause mortality and a combined, disease-related endpoint of "death from any cause or heart transplantation". Results Of 278 patients included, 213 (76.6%) were male. Median age was 57.0 years (interquartile range 49.0-66.1). HF was due to non-ischemic origin in 167 patients (60.1%). HFrEF was present in 185 patients (73.7%). There was a decent use of guideline-recommended HF medication (MRA in 82%, RAS blocker [ARNI/ACEI/ARB] in 97%). Most patients received treatment with a BB in submaximal [n = 118, group 1], or maximum tolerated dose [n = 136, group 2]. Patients treated with BB in maximum tolerated dose plus ivabradine [n = 24, group 3] were younger (53.0 vs. 58.0 years) and had a lower left-ventricular ejection fraction on echocardiography (EF, 25 vs. 31%) than those without ivabradine. Over a mean follow-up period of 3.1 years, 30 patients died, and 11 underwent heart transplantation. Upon regression analyses, higher resting HR was associated with an increased risk of death or heart transplantation (hazard ratio HR 1.03 [1.01, 1.06], p = 0.0072, even after adjusting for age and sex. Neither the type of heart rate-reducing therapy (BB with or without ivabradine), nor the dose of BB or ivabradine affected outcome. Conclusion Our prospective study underlines the importance of heart rate reduction in HF with SR but failed to demonstrate a better risk reduction in patients with up-titrated BB doses or on a combination of BB plus ivabradine.Study profileKM-curves for the composite endpoint

Effects of Daily Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms on Heart Rate Variability.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common, debilitating, and associated with an increased risk of health problems, including cardiovascular disease. PTSD is related to poor autonomic function indicated by reduced heart rate variability (HRV). However, very little work has tested the timescale or direction of these effects, given that most evidence comes from cross-sectional studies. Documentation of when effects occur and in what direction can shed light on mechanisms of cardiovascular disease risk and inform treatment. The present study of 169 World Trade Center responders, oversampled for PTSD, tested how daily PTSD symptoms were associated with autonomic function as reflected through HRV. Participants ( N = 169) completed surveys of PTSD symptoms three times a day at 5-hour intervals for 4 days while also wearing ambulatory monitors to record electrocardiograms to derive HRV (i.e., mean absolute value of successive differences between beat-to-beat intervals). HRV did not predict PTSD symptoms. However, PTSD symptoms during a 5-hour interval predicted reduced HRV at the next 5-hour interval ( β = -0.09, 95% confidence interval = -0.16 to -0.02, p = .008). Results held adjusting for baseline age, current heart problems, and current PTSD diagnosis. Findings underscore growing awareness that PTSD symptoms are not static. Even their short-term fluctuations may affect cardiovascular functioning, which could have more severe impacts if disruption accumulates over time. Research is needed to determine if momentary interventions can halt increases in PTSD symptoms or mitigate their impact on cardiovascular health.

Vascular senescence controls the neuro-cardiac interface in the aging heart

Abstract Aging is a major risk factor for impaired cardiovascular function. The aging heart is characterized by vascular dysfunction, increased hypertrophy, fibrosis and electrophysiological alterations. Studies show impaired endothelial cell (EC) function associates with senescence in aging. Since vessels and nerves align, and this interplay is critical for tissue homeostasis, we studied whether an impairment of the neuro-vascular interface may contribute to age-associated pathologies in the heart. To study the innervation of the aging mouse heart, we histologically assessed the cardiac autonomic nervous system in 3- and 20-month old mice using the pan-neuronal marker Tuj1 and the sympathetic marker TH. Interestingly, sympathetic innervation of the left ventricle, especially around arteries, was reduced by 0.66±0.07-fold with aging (p&amp;lt;0.05) indicating that aging reduces innervation of the left ventricle. Similar findings were observed in premature aging models of TERT-KO and EC-transgenic progeria mice. Electrophysiological studies confirmed an increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and reduced heart rate variability in aged mice. To determine the potential contribution of neurovascular cells, we analyzed gene expression of isolated ECs in aging mouse hearts by bulk RNA sequencing. Aging significantly induced the expression of genes associated with GO-terms related to neuronal cell death and axon injury. Sema3a, an axon repelling factor, was significantly increased in ECs of aged mice hearts, which was confirmed by qPCR and by histology (p&amp;lt;0.05). Next we determined the mechanism of Sema3a regulation. We show that miR-145 acts as an up-stream regulator of Sema3a expression. miR-145-/- mice showed increased Sema3a expression and reduced cardiac innervation. We observed an increase in acidic β-gal activity as a marker for cellular senescence in the aging heart, particularly in the proximate arterial space. In addition, Sema3a expression was significantly increased in senescent ECs in vitro, thus suggesting a putative role for senescence to impair cardiac innervation. To test whether eliminating senescent cells may restore left ventricular axon density, we treated 18-month old mice with a combination of the two senolytic drugs dasatinib and quercetin, which are known to deplete senescent cells in vivo. After 2 months of treatment, cellular senescence was reduced by 0.4±0.1-fold (p&amp;lt;0.05) in aged hearts. Endothelial expression of Sema3a was also reduced. Importantly, senolytic treatment restored ventricular innervation, augmented heart rate variability, and normalized electrophysiological abnormalities (all p&amp;lt;0.05). In conclusion, we show that aging augments axon repelling signals in ECs and reduces left ventricular innervation. The depletion of senescent cells prevented age-induced impairment of innervation and normalized electrophysiological abnormalities suggesting a critical role of senescence-associated axon repulsion in the aging heart.