The heart contains a network of tens of thousands of neurons, sometimes called the 'little brain in the heart'. It helps control heart rhythm and constantly sends signals up to the brain, which can shape emotion and attention.
Truth label: Established. Strong evidence and broad agreement among experts.
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Two-way traffic
More nerve fibres carry signals from the heart to the brain than the other way.
Where it gets speculative
Claims that the heart's electromagnetic field affects people nearby lack strong evidence.
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- Heart rate variability. Healthy hearts vary their rhythm slightly with each breath. Slow breathing tends to increase that variation.
Test yourself
Which way do most heart-brain nerve signals travel?
Heart to brain. More fibres carry signals upward.
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