A new study has found that hearts age faster when their connection to the vagus nerve is cut, while even limited nerve repair can preserve near-normal function. Researchers discovered that restoring just 20 percent of vagal nerve fibers prevented scarring, strength loss, and irregular motion associated with ageing hearts. The findings were published in Science Translational Medicine.
The research team from Sant’Anna School in Pisa monitored animal hearts for four months after surgically severing the vagus nerve, a procedure common in transplants and major chest operations. Hearts left untreated deteriorated rapidly, while those reconnected using a small biodegradable tube maintained smooth movement and strong performance, despite minimal nerve regrowth.
The study highlighted the importance of the right branch of the vagus nerve, which directly protects heart muscle cells from ageing. “When the integrity of the connection to the vagus nerve is lost, the heart ages more rapidly,” said researcher Vincenzo Lionetti. Scientists say repairing this connection during surgery could help prevent long-term heart decline in patients.