Methods and apparatus to stimulate heart atria

摘要

A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension and heart failure by increasing secretion of endogenous atrial hormones by pacing of the heart atria. Atrial pacing is done during the ventricular refractory period resulting in premature atrial contraction that does not result in ventricular contraction. Pacing results in the atrial wall stress, peripheral vasodilation, ANP secretion. Concomitant reduction of the heart rate is monitored and controlled as needed with backup pacing.

主权项

1. A method for controllably reducing heart rate by pacing a heart of a patient having an atrium and a ventricle, the method comprising:
pacing, after a first ventricular contraction of the heart, an atrium of the heart, wherein the atrial pacing occurs after expiration of an atrial refractory period of the heart and during a ventricular refractory period of the heart; and causing an atrial contraction as a result of the atrial pacing, wherein the atrial contraction does not elicit a second ventricular contraction, and wherein the atrial contraction causes a vasodilation and a release of a natriuretic hormone in the heart.