Heart Podcast How the brain impacts the heart: lessons from ischaemic stroke and other neurological disorders
May 20, 2025
Dr. Jan Scheitz, a vascular neurologist at Charité University Hospital, explores the critical link between the brain and heart, especially post-stroke. He dives into how neurological events can trigger cardiovascular complications, such as stroke heart syndrome. The conversation highlights the alarming rates of cardiac issues after ischemic strokes and discusses monitoring strategies. Scheitz also advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient care, emphasizing the need for further research in understanding and preventing these interconnected health challenges.
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Stroke Heart Syndrome Explained
- Brain-heart interactions explain how stroke triggers immediate cardiac complications called stroke heart syndrome.
- This syndrome includes new or worsening cardiac dysfunction post-stroke and dramatically increases early mortality risk.
Screen Stroke Patients Early
- Screen stroke patients actively for cardiac issues using ECG and cardiac markers, especially in first 2-3 days.
- Symptoms may be silent or mild due to neurological deficits, so proactive screening is crucial.
Neurological Disorders Affect Heart
- Cardiac complications occur not only after ischemic stroke but also intracranial hemorrhage and seizures.
- Even patients with fewer risk factors can have intense neurocardiogenic injury after hemorrhage or seizures.