Exercise reshapes nerves controlling heart differently on left and right sides

Scientists at the University of Bristol found that regular aerobic exercise does more than strengthen the heart; it physically reshapes the nerves that control heart function, according to ScienceDaily Health.

The study discovered that moderate exercise changes the structure of nerve cells in the stellate ganglia, nerve clusters located on both sides of the lower neck and upper chest that regulate heart rate and activity.

Researchers observed that these nerve changes were dramatically different between the left and right sides of the body, revealing a previously unknown left-right pattern in the autonomic nervous system that controls the heart's 'dimmer switch.'

This finding could lead to improved treatments for heart conditions such as irregular heartbeats, chest pain, angina, and stress-induced 'broken-heart' syndrome, though the research was conducted in rats and further studies are needed to confirm if similar effects occur in humans.

The research highlights a new perspective on how physical activity influences the nervous system responsible for essential functions like heartbeat, breathing, and digestion.