The brain’s response to a heart attack may worsen recovery

After a heart attack, damaged heart cells send signals through nerve pathways to the brain, creating a harmful cycle that worsens recovery by increasing inflammation and scarring. Scientists discovered that blocking these nerve signals in mice improved heart function, reduced scarring, and enhanced tissue repair. The research traced this pathway from the heart through the vagus nerve to brain regions controlling stress and blood pressure, then to inflamed nerve clusters in the neck. These findings could lead to new treatments targeting the nervous system rather than just the heart itself.