Methods and apparatus to stimulate heart atria

摘要

A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension and heart failure by increasing vagal tone and secretion of endogenous atrial hormones by excitory pacing of the heart atria. Atrial pacing is done during the ventricular refractory period resulting in atrial contraction against closed AV valves, and atrial contraction rate that is higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing results in the increased atrial wall stress. An implantable device is used to monitor ECG and pace the atria in a nonphysiologic manner.

主权项

1. A method for pacing a heart of a patient suffering from hypertension or sodium retention, the method comprising:
artificially pacing an atrium of the heart during a period between an end of an atrial refractory period and an end of a ventricular refractory period; wherein the artificial pacing causes the atrium of the heart to contract against a closed heart valve of the atrium such that the contraction distends a wall of the atrium with blood; and wherein the distention of the wall results in a therapeutic effect of a reduction in blood pressure.