Influence of Primary Neurologic Disease on Cardiovascular Health in Females

Neurocardiology is an interdisciplinary field that examines the complex interactions between the nervous and the cardiovascular systems, exploring how neurological processes, such as autonomic nervous system regulation and brain-heart communication impact heart function and contribute to cardiovascular health and disease. Although much of the focus on cardiovascular health has centered on traditional risk factors, the influence of the nervous system, especially in females, is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of cardiovascular outcomes. This article reviews existing literature on the neurological mechanisms that impact cardiovascular function in females. Specifically, we analyze how primary neurological disorders including cerebrovascular disease, headache disorders, and multiple sclerosis have specific downstream effects on cardiac function. By understanding the complex relationship between neurological and cardiovascular health, this review highlights the need for sex-specific approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease in females, ultimately encouraging the discovery of more effective care strategies and improving health outcomes.