Scientists from Stanford University have found that heart rate affects emotional state. The results of the research have been published magazine Nature.
The team conducted a series of experiments with a mouse model. Specially designed devices with LEDs were inserted into the rodents, with the help of which scientists can cause tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). In the first experiment, the researchers did not notice any changes in the mice’s behavior.
However, rodents have often been moved to a large open area causing stress. The mice behaved calmly when not stimulated. But when they were warned, the rats began to panic. According to scientists, the neurons of the cortex of the posterior lobe of the insula and the prefrontal cortex, which processes sensory information, show the greatest activity during tachycardia. If activity in these areas was suppressed, tachycardia had no effect on the emotional state of the animals.
The team stressed that the same pattern can be found in humans. In the future, they will continue to study the link between heartbeat and emotions to develop methods to help people with anxiety and panic attacks.