Chronic Vagus Nerve Stimulation Improves Autonomic Control and Attenuates Systemic Inflammation and Heart Failure Progression in a Canine High-Rate Pacing Model.

The article presents a study that investigates the impact of enhancing vagal tone acquired from chronic vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on heart failure development in a canine high-rate ventricular pacing model in dogs. Study shows an improvement on heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity in the VNS dogs. Results are said to have indicated that chronic VNS can improve cardiac autonomic control and that VNS is associated with pronounced anti-inflammatory effects.