Crosstalk between brain and the heart

The brain and the heart are in constant communication through a complex system of neural, hormonal, and biochemical pathways named as “brain–heart crosstalk.” This chapter aims to delve into the role of brain–heart crosstalk in the pathophysiology of two clinical entities: Neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy (NSC) and Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), conditions that result in a structural modification, albeit reversible in most cases, of the left ventricle. Neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy and Takotsubo syndrome are two distinct but correlated clinical entities, characterized by sudden myocardial weakening in the absence of significant coronary obstruction. Neurogenic Stress Cardiomyopathy is a cardiac dysfunction mainly attributed to the cytokine storm following an acute neurological injury. Takotsubo syndrome, on the other hand, is related to emotional or physical stress. Furthermore, the influence of adrenergic receptor polymorphisms on individual susceptibility to these conditions will be explored.