Baroreflex Activation Therapy in HFrEF Patients: Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Autonomic Restoration
Abstract
Background: Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) may ameliorate autonomic imbalance in patients after heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); however, its effects on systemic inflammation and autonomic indices remain unknown.
Case summary: Seven patients with advanced HFrEF underwent BAT implantation. Three cases are presented in detail, illustrating distinct response patterns: clinical improvement, robust parasympathetic restoration, and anti-inflammatory response.
Discussion: After BAT, patients demonstrated improvements in quality of life, heart rate variability (HRV), and inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ). These preliminary findings suggest that BAT may exert therapeutic benefits through both autonomic restoration and anti-inflammatory modulation.
Take-home messages: An aggregate analysis of 7 patients with HFrEF who received BAT demonstrated favorable responses in inflammatory biomarkers, HRV, and clinical outcomes. BAT led to decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ and autonomic balance restoration as measured by HRV. These findings support further investigation into the mechanisms of action of BAT.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health. Reported size: 7 participants or records.
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