Welcome to the WCN 2021 Interactive Program
The congress will officially run on Central European Time (CET) - Rome Time
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Please note that all sessions will run at their scheduled time and be followed by a LIVE Q&A/Discussion at the end
The viewing of sessions, cannot be accessed from this conference calendar. All sessions are accessible via the Virtual Platform
- Alla Guekht (Russian Federation)
CLINICAL RELEVANCE OF STROKE INDUCED HEART DISORDERS
- Luciano A. Sposato (Canada)
Abstract
Abstract Body
Worldwide, post-stroke cardiovascular complications cause 1.5 million deaths/year. A similar proportion of patients experience non-fatal cardiovascular complications. The interplay between autonomic dysfunction and inflammation has a major role in the pathophysiology of these events. In this talk, Dr. Sposato will discuss the clinical relevance, pathophysiological aspects, and potential therapeutic approaches for the stroke-heart syndrome and stroke-induced heart injury.
NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS AND THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Walter Struhal (Austria)
STRESS RELATED AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION AND COMMON DISEASES
- Max J. Hilz (Germany)
Abstract
Abstract Body
Psychological stress may have negative effects on organ function and psychological well-being. Hans Selye considered “stress” as a ”non-specific response of the body to any demand for change“. Selye distinguished acute stress responses from the “General Adaptation Syndrome”, i.e. the responses to long-lasting stressors, with an initial alarm phase attempting to maintain homeostatic balance, a “resistance phase” during which coping strategies are activated, and the exhaustion phase when coping mechanisms fail and the person is at risk of disease. The acute stress response described by Walter Cannon as Fight-or-Flight-Response consists of acute sympathetic activation with noradrenaline and adrenaline release and responses preparing the individual for fighting or fleeing. Acute threats trigger central autonomic responses, particularly in the amygdalae and hypothalamus which activates the pituitary gland that secretes ACTH. Subsequent cortisol and adrenaline release contribute to increases in energy levels, blood glucose, lipolysis, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, myocardial and pulmonary perfusion, pupillary diameter, muscle perfusion, and sweat output but a decrease in skin perfusion.
Acute stress may trigger syncope, arrhythmias, coronary artery constriction, Takotsubo syndrome, or sudden cardiac death. Complications of acute or chronic stress are legion and include metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, arterial occlusive disease, kidney failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, sexual dysfunction, cancer, depression, fatigue, burn-out syndrome, pseudo-dementia, cognitive dysfunction, etc. Options to reduce daily-life stressors include approaches that reduce sympathetic and increase parasympathetic activity, such as physical exercise, breathing techniques, Yoga, Tai-Chi, meditation, prayer, music, progressive muscle relaxation, or autogenic training.