Exploring the Complex Interplay: How Our Brains and Hearts Interact and Its Implications for Treatment of Neurological Disorders

The hidden influence of the heart on our mental health

There have been numerous studies that have explored the intricate relationship between neural activity and cardiac activity. Kim et al. (2019) found a link between resting-state neural firing rate and cardiac-cycle duration in the cingulate and parahippocampal cortices, providing insight into how our brains process heartbeat information. Meanwhile, Park et al. (2014) demonstrated that spontaneous fluctuations in neural responses to heartbeats can predict visual detection, suggesting that our brains are constantly monitoring our heartbeat for important signals.

Garfinkel et al. (2013) investigated how cardiac timing influences memory for words and is influenced by metacognition and interoceptive sensitivity, showing that the two are closely intertwined. Hsueh et al. (2023) looked at cardiogenic control of affective behavioral state, while Dum et al. (2019) studied the circuits linking the cerebral cortex to the adrenal medulla, providing a deeper understanding of how our hearts impact our mood and emotions.

Salameh et al. (2024) found that blood pressure pulsations can modulate central neuronal activity through mechanosensitive ion channels, further highlighting the complex interplay between our cardiovascular system and nervous system. Quadt et al. (2021) conducted a trial on interoceptive training targeting anxiety in autistic adults, showing promising results for this promising therapy approach.

Candia-Rivera et al. (2021) investigated how neural responses to heartbeats can detect residual signs of consciousness in post-comatose patients, shedding light on the importance of monitoring these signals for potential recovery from coma or other neurological conditions. Finally, Engelen et al. (2023) explored interoceptive rhythms in the brain and their implications for understanding neural activity, providing valuable insights into this area of research.

Each of these studies contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between neural activity and cardiac function, helping us better understand how these two systems interact with each other and providing new insights into potential treatments for neurological disorders involving both systems.

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