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Brain network localization of high-frequency heart rate variability: A meta-analysis and coordinate-based network
Yifan Fang1, Tianyi Li1, Wenwen Liang1
1Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
Brain Research Bulletin
|December 6, 2025
Summary
High-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), a marker of parasympathetic tone, is linked to brain regions like the sgACC and vmPFC. This research explores the neural control of cardiac function and emotional regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- High-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) reflects cardiac parasympathetic activity, vital for physiological and emotional regulation.
- Previous neuroimaging studies on HF-HRV neural correlates show inconsistent findings.
- Identifying specific brain networks involved in cardiac vagal control remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural mechanisms underlying high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV).
- To identify brain networks associated with cardiac vagal control.
- To explore the relationship between HF-HRV and brain functional connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) for studies linking HF-HRV and brain activation.
- Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) meta-analysis of brain activation coordinates.
- Coordinate-based network mapping using resting-state functional connectivity data from 1000 healthy individuals.
Main Results:
- ALE meta-analysis did not yield significant results due to high study heterogeneity.
- Coordinate-based network mapping identified significant positive correlations between HF-HRV and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC).
- No significant negative correlations were found between HF-HRV and brain networks.
Conclusions:
- HF-HRV is associated with a distributed neural network, notably involving the sgACC and vmPFC.
- These regions play key roles in cardiac vagal control.
- The study presents an innovative approach to understanding brain mechanisms in HF-HRV and cardiac autonomic regulation.
