Autonomic nervous modulation: early treatment for pulmonary artery hypertension

Abstract

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a chronic vascular disease defined by the elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance and mean pulmonary artery pressure, which arises due to pulmonary vascular remodelling. Prior research has already established a link between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and PAH. Therefore, the rebalancing of the ANS offers a promising approach for the treatment of PAH. The process of rebalancing involves two key aspects: inhibiting an overactive sympathetic nervous system and fortifying the impaired parasympathetic nervous system through pharmacological or interventional procedures. However, the understanding of the precise mechanisms involved in neuromodulation, whether achieved through medication or intervention, remains insufficient. This limited understanding hinders our ability to determine the appropriate timing and scope of such treatment. This review aims to integrate the findings from clinical and mechanistic studies on ANS rebalancing as a treatment approach for PAH, with the ultimate goal of identifying a path to enhance the safety and efficacy of neuromodulation therapy and improve the prognosis of PAH.

Keywords: Autonomic nervous system; Early treatment; Neuromodulation; Pulmonary artery hypertension; Right heart failure.