Research from the University of Bristol reveals that regular exercise may significantly alter the way nerves control heart function. The study, published in the journal Autonomic Neuroscience in September 2023, indicates that exercise can “rewire” the heart’s nerve pathways, potentially leading to improved treatments for various cardiovascular conditions, including irregular heart rhythms and stress-related syndromes.
The study focused on laboratory rats that engaged in ten weeks of moderate aerobic exercise. Researchers discovered that exercise does not uniformly affect the nerve control systems of the heart; rather, it creates distinct changes on the left and right sides of the body, a phenomenon that has largely gone unnoticed until now.
Uncovering Left-Right Differences in Heart Control
Dr. Augusto Coppi, the lead author of the study and a senior lecturer in veterinary anatomy at the University of Bristol, explained, “The discovery points to a previously hidden left–right pattern in the body’s ‘autopilot’ system that helps run the heart.” This newfound understanding could explain why some heart treatments are more effective on one side than the other.
The researchers found that, on the right side, the nerve hub responsible for sending “go faster” signals to the heart showed a marked increase in nerve cell count, suggesting enhanced connectivity. In contrast, the left side exhibited fewer new nerve cells, but those present grew significantly larger, indicating an alternative form of adaptation. This side-specific reshaping of the heart’s nerve control system could inform future medical practices.
Implications for Future Treatments
The findings reveal that exercise reshapes the heart’s nerve control system in a manner that is not equally distributed. Understanding these adaptations could allow for more targeted and effective therapies, especially for patients who are unable to exercise or whose symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes.
Researchers likened the nerve clusters that were examined to a “dimmer switch” that regulates how intensely the heart is stimulated. It is crucial to fine-tune this stimulation, as overstimulation of these nerves is often linked to chest pain and dangerous heart rhythm issues.
While these findings are significant, researchers caution that further studies are necessary to determine whether similar effects occur in humans. The current research is in its early stages and primarily involves animal models. Future investigations aim to explore if the left-right nerve changes can also be observed in humans, potentially leading to more personalized heart care.
The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from University College London, the University of São Paulo, and the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil. As the scientific community continues to unravel the complex relationship between exercise and heart health, these insights may pave the way for innovative treatment strategies that could benefit millions worldwide.
Overall, this research contributes to a growing body of evidence highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of regular exercise, emphasizing the importance of an active lifestyle in maintaining heart health. As scientists deepen their understanding of these processes, the potential for more effective, individualized treatments continues to expand.
