Heart failure (HF) is a major problem of public health. Autonomic Nervous System dysfunction is involved in the physiopathology of heart failure. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of vagal deficiency in patients with chronic heart failure

Our serie is a descriptive and analytical retrospective study and has included 31 patients with chronic heart failure admitted in Cardiology Centre, Mohammed V Military Hospital of Rabat, Morocco. All of them had cardiovascular autonomic testing including Deep Breathing, Hand grip, Mental stress and orthostatic tests.

The mean age was 64,7±9,8 years with male predominance (81%). They have more than three cardio vascular risk factors dominated by Hypertension (84%), smoking (71%), Diabetes (45%) with an average HbA1C at 8.8%. The mean ejection fraction was ˂40%.The baseline mean Heart Rate was 88.37±16.52 bpm, the mean systolic blood pressure was 130±22mmHg and Diastolic blood pressure was 74±10mmHg. Vagal Deficiency (VD) was found in 88% of patients in all different tests, alpha (α)peripheral sympathetic response was 10.54±1.34% and high α and β central sympathetic response respectively at 21.46±1.13% and 18.02±1.2%.

This study demonstrated a significant vagal deficiency response in patients with Chronic Heart Failure. Redressing sympathovagal balance can be feasible and should be advantageous, through medical treatment, cardiac Rehabilitation already proven cornerstone of HF treatment and vagal stimulation as a new approach with promising results.