Key result
Autonomic control of the heart is lateralized, with each cerebral hemisphere influencing cardiac activity differently according to a general model of brain asymmetry.
This review highlights that autonomic control of the heart is lateralized, with each cerebral hemisphere uniquely influencing cardiac physiological functioning.
Supports lateralized cardiac autonomic control in theory; leaves open clinical translation or targeted interventions pending prospective trials.
Neurocardiology has shown that the dynamic performance of the heart is strongly influenced by the brain, including the cerebral cortex. Neural control is mediated by sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers innervating the pacemaker, conductile, and contractile tissues of the heart. In this review, evidence is presented that autonomic control of the heart is lateralized, each brain side influencing cardiac activity in a different manner. Moreover, it is shown that asymmetries observed at the level of the cerebral hemispheres are characterized by different principles than asymmetries at the levels of the lower brain stem and the peripheral pathways. Findings on lateralized control of the heart are integrated into a general model of brain asymmetry, in which it is postulated that each hemisphere has a unique and comprehensive response system characterizing its cognitive, emotional, and physiological functioning.
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Werner Wittling (1997) conducted a review in Autonomic control of the heart. Brain asymmetry was evaluated. Autonomic control of the heart is lateralized, with each cerebral hemisphere influencing cardiac activity differently according to a general model of brain asymmetry.
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