The Role of Central Nervous System for Symptomatology, Prognostication and Brand-New Therapeutic Strategies in Chronic Heart Failure

Background:The impressive progress of research in the cardiovascular sciences in the last several decades has contributed to the development of highly advanced therapeutic tools for the management of chronic heart failure (CHF). In spite of whole array of pharmacologic and invasive treatment methods, the mortality rate in CHF is still high. The growing evidence indicates the significant influence of central nervous system (CNS), cognitive functions and thermoregulation on aerobic capacity, symptoms and prognostication in CHF. The goal of our review is to present the recent advancements in the experimental and clinical research on the brain-heart interactions in CHF. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Results: There is a close link between CNS functions ( cognitive functions, thermoregulation), symptoms and prognostications in CHF, which may contribute to the development of brand-new therapeutic tools and schemes in the nearest future. Conclusions: Brain processing has enormous impact on the course of CHF. The in-depth understanding of CNS mechanisms controlling physical fitness in CHF may contribute to the implementation of brand-new treatment methods and creation of interdisciplinary medical teams targeting various parts and functions of CNS involved in the pathophysiology of the disease.