The intricate relationship between the brain and heart has garnered increasing scientific attention, particularly in understanding how cardiovascular health influences cognitive function. Researchers from National Chung Cheng University (CCU) and National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch (NTUH Yunlin) have joined forces to explore this critical connection. Their findings have been published in the internationally renowned journal, Physiology & Behavior.

The Brain-Heart Connection: A New Perspective on Cognitive Health

Brain diseases often lead to memory decline, while cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), also may contribute to cognitive impairment. Emerging evidence suggests that the brain and heart are closely interconnected through autonomic nervous system regulation. In this collaborative study, Professors Yen-Hsuan Hsu, Chia-Ying Weng, Ding-Yu Jiang, and Hsin-Chin Chen from the Department of Psychology at CCU worked alongside Dr. Cho-I Lin and his team from NTUH Yunlin’s Department of Rehabilitation to examine the relationship between memory function and parasympathetic nervous system regulation in CAD patients.

Key Findings: Heart Rate Variability and Cognitive Function

The research team utilized heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure of vagus nerve-mediated parasympathetic control of the heart. Unlike many previous studies that focused solely on resting-state HRV, this study also assessed HRV reactivity during cognitive tasks—providing insight into the adaptability of parasympathetic regulation.

The study specifically investigated prospective memory—the ability to remember and execute intended actions at the appropriate time, such as taking medication or attending an appointment. This cognitive function is essential for daily life, and its impairment can lead to serious consequences.
Using computerized prospective memory tests and HRV measurements, the researchers discovered that CAD patients performed worse on prospective memory tasks than healthy adults. However, those with greater parasympathetic responsiveness to cognitive tasks exhibited better prospective memory performance.

“We found that HRV reactivity plays a mediating role in prospective memory performance,” said Professor Yen-Hsuan Hsu of CCU. “However, this study also raises important questions. The interactions between autonomic nervous system regulation and cognitive functions are complex and may be context-specific.”

Clinical Implications and Future Directions

This study aligns with recent findings from institutions such as the University of California, Irvine, and the American Heart Association on the brain-heart connection. It also offers promising clinical applications, suggesting that interventions like HRV biofeedback training may be a promising approach to enhance cognitive function in CAD patients.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to expand the study’s sample size and incorporate neuroimaging techniques to further explore the neural mechanisms underlying the link between vagus nerve activity and cognitive function. Their findings contribute to the brain-heart connection framework and may pave the way for innovative cognitive interventions for individuals with cardiovascular disease.

This research was jointly supported by National Chung Cheng University and National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, and has been published in Physiology & Behavior.

Reference:
Hsu, Y.-H., Jiang, D.-Y., Chen, H.-C., Hsu, B.-C., Hsieh, L.-R., Yao, H.-L., Chang, Y.-C., Weng, C.-Y., & Lin, C.-I. (2025). An exploratory study of the association between heart rate variability reactivity and prospective memory in a sample of coronary artery disease patients and healthy controls. Physiology & Behavior, 294(15), 114861. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938425000629