Diastolic ventricular interaction in chronic heart failure: relation to heart rate variability and neurohumoral status

It is likely that abnormal baroreflex control mechanisms are at least partially responsible for autonomic dysfunction in chronic heart failure. We recently demonstrated that diastolic ventricular interaction is associated with impaired baroreflex control of vascular resistance in heart failure. We reasoned that by con-straining left ventricular filling, such interaction would decrease baroreflex activity and, thereby, increase sympathetic and decrease parasympathetic outflow. Wehypothesized, therefore, that diastolic ventricular interaction in chronic heart failure patients would be associated with autonomic dysfunction.