Researchers discovered that the connection between the heart and the vagus nerve aids in guarding it against aging. This finding may alter the approach to preventing age-related cardiac ailments.
The vagus nerve has numerous roles, including slowing the heart rate and helping to lower blood pressure. The study by scientists from Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa is published in Science Translational Medicine. It demonstrated that the right branch of the nerve is especially crucial, as it shields heart cells and sustains its long-term well-being irrespective of the pulse rate.
The vagus nerve functions as a natural “regulator” and is responsible for the equilibrium between tension and relaxation of the cardiac muscle. Without this oversight, the heart operates under strain, tissues wear down quicker, and senescence speeds up.
The scientists determined that complete nerve restoration is not essential for the protective effect. Even partial renewal of the link between the nerve’s right branch and the heart is ample to slow adverse modifications and maintain the vigor of cardiac contractions.
Additionally, the researchers devised a special dissolvable conduit for the nerve. It is implanted to assist the thoracic part of the vagus nerve to recover naturally.
These revelations present fresh prospects for cardiac surgery and heart transplantation. Reestablishing the nerve link during surgery could become an efficacious method for the lasting defense of the heart.
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