17/01/2026
1. Physical Fuel & "The Pipeline"
The brain is an energy-intensive organ. It uses about 20% of your body's oxygen and calories, but it can't store them. It relies entirely on the heart to deliver these nutrients via blood.
Blood Flow (Perfusion): If the heart pumps weakly (as in heart failure) or the rhythm is irregular (like Atrial Fibrillation), the brain doesn't get a steady supply. This can lead to "brain fog," dizziness, and long-term cognitive decline.
Vascular Health: If the "pipes" (arteries) are stiff or clogged with plaque due to heart disease, it can lead to vascular dementia or strokes, where parts of the brain are damaged by lack of blood.
2. Neurological Communication (The "Heart-Brain")
The heart actually has its own "intrinsic nervous system" containing about 40,000 neurons. It sends more signals to the brain than it receives from the brain.
The Vagus Nerve: This is the main highway for signals. The heart sends information about your blood pressure and rhythm to the brain's emotional and cognitive centers.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV): The variation in time between each heartbeat is a signal to your brain. High HRV usually indicates a healthy, resilient nervous system, while low HRV can signal to the brain that the body is under stress, triggering anxiety or "fight or flight" responses.
3. Hormonal & Emotional Impact
The heart is also an endocrine (hormone-producing) organ.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP): The heart releases this hormone, which can affect the brain's stress response and help regulate blood pressure.
Psychological Link: There is a direct link between heart health and mental health. People with heart disease are significantly more likely to experience depression and anxiety, partly due to the chemical and inflammatory signals the heart sends when it is under stress
