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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Understanding the Effects of Non-Invasive Transauricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on EEG and HRV
Published on: January 19, 2024
Evidence for impaired vagus nerve activity in heart failure
Steve Bibevski1, Mark E Dunlap
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, 5144 Cardiovascular Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive SPC 5864, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Abstract:
Parasympathetic control of the heart via the vagus nerve is the primary mechanism that regulates beat-to-beat control of heart rate. Additionally, the vagus nerve exerts significant effects at the AV node, as well as effects on both atrial and ventricular myocardium. Vagal control is abnormal in heart failure, occurring at early stages of left ventricular dysfunction, and this reduced vagal function is associated with worse outcomes in patients following myocardial infarction and with heart failure. While central control mechanisms are abnormal, one of the primary sites of attenuated vagal control is at the level of the parasympathetic ganglion. It remains to be seen whether or not preventing or treating abnormal vagal control of the heart improves prognosis.
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