Ganglionic Plexi and Atrial Fibrillation

What Are Ganglionic Plexi?


The ganglionic plexi are networks of ganglia held together by interconnecting nerves. Ganglia are formed from various types of neurons and nerve cells of the heart and are part of the autonomic nervous system which controls or regulates the involuntary actions of organs like the heart. A study published in 1996 estimated that the human heart contained an estimated 14,000 neurons (nerve cells),30 which is remarkable considering your heart is the size of a fist!

The 1996 study also showed the prevalence and location of ganglionic plexi (GPs). GPs vary in size within an individual heart, and their size and shape varies widely between hearts. Through this study, centralized locations of ganglionic plexi that generally occur along the atria and ventricles were identified. There have been five major atrial ganglionic plexi uses and five major ventricular ganglionic plexi that have been located and labeled. 

 

Ganglionic Plexi Factors in Atrial Fibrillation

Based on information from previous research and critical assessments of compiled data, a theory called the dysautonomia hypothesis has been formulated. The dysautonomia hypothesis is based on evidence that hyperactivity of the ganglionic plexi is thought to fire irregular electrical impulses in the pulmonary veins.17 Irregular electrical impulses in the pulmonary veins have been shown to contribute to the onslaught of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 90% of occurrences.16 Ganglionic plexi have been shown to affect the initiation of both paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation and are contributing factors in the sustainability of an atrial fibrillation episode.17