Vagal Control of the Heart

The role of the vagus nerve in the regulation of cardiac function has become very clear. With this information has come the recognition of the impact of vagal innervation on the outcome of severe coronary artery disease, including myocardial infarction. This book offers the physician the state-of-the-art information necessary for an understanding of the "whys" and "hows" of vagal control of the heart. Topics explore the anatomy of vagal innervation, biochemical considerations, physiological effects on the heart, the role in cardiac reflexes and arrhythmias, pharmacology, and methods for clinical assessment of vagal activity.