The vagus nerve in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology: From evolutionary insights to clinical medicine

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2024 Mar 15:156:190-200. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.01.001. Epub 2023 Jan 12.

Abstract

The parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve exerts profound influence over the heart. Together with the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for fine-tuned regulation of all aspects of cardiovascular function, including heart rate, rhythm, contractility, and blood pressure. In this review, we highlight vagal efferent and afferent innervation of the heart, with a focus on insights from comparative biology and advances in understanding the molecular and genetic diversity of vagal neurons, as well as interoception, parasympathetic dysfunction in heart disease, and the therapeutic potential of targeting the parasympathetic nervous system in cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Cardiovascular physiology; Interoception; Neuromodulation; Vagus nerve.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Medicine*
  • Heart
  • Heart Diseases*
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Vagus Nerve / physiology