The central focus of this Research Topic is aligned with the theme of the symposium entitled “Updates on Cardiovascular Variability: From Bench to Bedside”, presented by Gabriel Dias Rodrigues at
XXXVII Annual Meeting of FeSBE.Cardiovascular variability refers to fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure. The heart rate and blood pressure variabilities assessment is widely used to estimate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) control of circulation in several pathophysiology conditions.
Therefore the ANS plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Clinical and experimental studies suggested that the autonomic dynamic responses under stress (e.g., autonomic maneuvers, exercise, sleep, diseases, and environmental conditions) provide relevant information on ANS function.
The recent discovery of the “inflammatory reflex” opens an avenue of therapeutic targets, such as vagal nerve stimulation. Also, respiratory interventions (e.g., inspiratory muscle training, yoga, and guided breathing) have a powerful influence on ANS balance. Thus, this special issue explores the bridge between ongoing mechanisms of ANS functioning and therapeutic targets.
This Research Topic welcomes (but isn't restricted to) review papers and original research on the following themes:
1. Cardiovascular variability in Human and animal studies
2. Cardiovascular variability and machine learning
3. Cardiovascular variability and exercise, breathing, and hostile environmental conditions
4. Sleep, sleep disorders, and the autonomic nervous system
5. Interactions between inflammation and cardiovascular autonomic control
6. Autonomic nervous system and non-pharmacological therapeutic targets