Scientists have long known that regular exercise is good for heart health. Now, new research suggests it may also reshape parts of the nervous system that control the heart.
A recent study on rats showed intriguing results about how exercise affects nerve clusters known as stellate ganglia, which play a crucial role in heart function. After 10 weeks of moderate treadmill training, the researchers found noticeable differences in the right and left ganglia.
On the right side, the number of neurons increased, but their size decreased. Conversely, the left side had fewer neurons, but they were larger. This asymmetric change hints that exercise might alter the autonomic nervous system in more complex ways than previously understood.
These findings could lead to better treatments for heart rhythm issues. If similar results are found in humans, doctors could tailor therapies based on how each side of the nervous system reacts to exercise.
Dr. Augusto Coppi, the study’s lead author, emphasizes that confirming these differences in humans could improve how we approach nerve-targeted therapies. He notes the importance of understanding the ‘wiring’ behind these changes. And although more research is needed, the potential for using exercise as a non-drug approach to improve heart health is exciting.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a medical advisor, describes this research as a game changer. He believes that understanding how exercise reshapes nerves could lead to more personalized treatments for heart conditions. While it may be too early to change current medical practices, the takeaway is clear: regular aerobic exercise remains one of the best ways to support heart health.
Interestingly, a 2022 survey found that only 23% of adults met the recommended exercise guidelines for aerobic activity. This research highlights just how vital getting moving can be—not just for your heart rate but for the underlying systems that keep your heart healthy.
As we learn more, exercise may become an even more powerful tool in managing heart health, adding a layer of personalization to treatments. The future of cardiac rehabilitation could involve tailored exercise regimens that take these new insights into account. Keeping active remains an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and now we know it could be reshaping our very nerves, too.
For further insights on the importance of exercise for health, check out the CDC’s recommendations on physical activity here.
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aerobic exercise rewires heart nerve function study
