Exercise Does More Than Build Muscle: Study Shows It Alters Heart Nerves, Offering Clues for Arrhythmia Treatment

A study reveals that regular aerobic exercise alters not only heart muscle and cardiorespiratory function but also the autonomic nervous system regulating the heart. Researchers found that the stellate ganglion—a key nerve cluster controlling heart function—adapts differently on the left and right sides, potentially offering new insights for treating heart conditions like arrhythmia. The research, conducted by teams from the University of Bristol, University College London, University of Sao Paulo, and Federal University of Sao Paulo, was published in Autonomic Neuroscience. Using stereological analysis on mice, scientists observed increased neuron numbers on the right stellate ganglion and enlarged cell size on the left, suggesting the autonomic system operates asymmetrically. Professor Augusto Coelho noted that regular moderate exercise changes the heart's autonomic control system asymmetrically, which could explain why some treatments are more effective on one side. The study highlights potential for developing precision therapies tailored to patients' conditions.