The vagus nerve: a new key to a younger, healthier heart

Scientists Discover Key Role of the Vagus Nerve in Keeping the Heart Young and Healthy

Exciting new research led by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Italy, reveals that maintaining the connection between the heart and the vagus nerve may help the heart stay younger and healthier for longer. This groundbreaking study was recently published in the journal *Science Translational Medicine*.

### What Is the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is one of the most important nerves in the body. It links the brain to several major organs, including the heart, and plays a crucial role in regulating heart rate, digestion, and breathing. This new research highlights an additional vital role for the vagus nerve: preventing the heart from aging prematurely.

### Key Findings from the Study

Researchers discovered that preserving the connection between both sides of the vagus nerve and the heart protects heart cells and keeps the heart strong as we age. In particular, the right side of the vagus nerve plays a significant role in maintaining heart cell health, separate from its well-known function of slowing the heart rate.

The study was a highly collaborative effort, involving experts in medicine, bioengineering, and aging from premier institutions across Italy and worldwide. The research was led by Professor Vincenzo Lionetti from the Translational Critical Care Unit (TrancriLab) and Professor Silvestro Micera from the Biorobotics Institute. Their teams worked together to explore how the vagus nerve affects heart health and methods to restore it when damaged.

### Innovation: The Bioabsorbable Nerve Conduit

One of the major breakthroughs of the study was the development of a small, implantable device called a bioabsorbable nerve conduit. This device supports the regrowth of the vagus nerve and its reconnection to the heart. Made from materials that naturally dissolve in the body over time, this conduit helps the heart “re-learn” how to stay young and function optimally, even following injury or surgery.

The researchers found that even partial restoration of the right vagus nerve connection can slow harmful changes in the heart. It improves the heart muscle’s ability to contract effectively and delays early signs of cardiac aging.

### Expert Insights

“When the vagus nerve connection is broken, the heart starts to age faster,” explained Professor Lionetti. “But with even a partial repair, the heart begins to recover.”

Dr. Anar Dushpanova, a cardiologist involved in the study, added that this nerve-to-heart connection can safeguard the heart’s pumping ability.

Eugenio Redolfi Riva, one of the engineers behind the implantable device, described how it functions: “The nerve conduit acts as a guide, enabling nerve fibers to grow back naturally and reconnect with the heart.”

### Implications for Heart Surgery and Treatment

This discovery has the potential to transform how doctors perform heart surgeries and transplants. Current treatments mainly address problems after the heart begins aging. However, protecting or restoring the vagus nerve during surgery could help prevent these issues from occurring altogether.

Looking ahead, this innovative approach may lead to better recovery outcomes after heart surgery and could even help prevent heart failure and other age-related cardiac problems. It underscores how critical the brain-heart connection truly is.

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### Additional Heart Health Information

If you are interested in heart disease and maintaining heart health, consider reading about the potential risks of certain herbal supplements on heart rhythm, and how consuming eggs might reduce heart disease risk.

For more health tips, recent studies suggest that apple juice may benefit heart health, and yogurt consumption could lower mortality risks associated with heart disease.

Stay informed and take steps toward a healthier heart!
https://knowridge.com/2025/12/the-vagus-nerve-a-new-key-to-a-younger-healthier-heart/

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