How do the emotional signals propagate from the mind/brain to the heart? What are major consequences in terms of behavioural changes in a normal person?
This question could depend on shared physiological pathways. These could have common lpathways, but differ uniquely dependent on the individual. Here is one example I can give currently. Though the direction of the relationship between Unipolar Depression and Cardiovascular disease has not been thoroughly established, some of the shared physiological pathways of interaction have been identified. It has been found that sympathetic-vagal dysfunction occurs in Unipolar Depression, with extreme activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system and high levels of activation in the sympathetic adrenal medulla system. The following physiological factors have been identified in Depressed Individuals; low heart rate variability, high levels of platelet reactivity, abnormally high cortisol levels and high levels of inflammatory cytokines. These physiological factors cause or contribute to the development of Endothelial Vascular injury, Thrombosis, Ventricular Arrhythmias and sudden death. The suggested physiological relationship and shared symptomologies between Unipolar Depression and Cardiovascular Disease may be cyclical, with one contributing to the other.
Due to the emotional system seemingly being positioned within the hypothlamaic pituitary adrenocortical system, it appears that emotional signals may share similar pathways to the cardiovascular system. I am not sure if this is what you were looking for when you mention heart, but if so, I have a great deal of information on the relationship between the cardiovascualr system and its relationship with clinical disorders.
What the above answer hints at, is that cardiovascular disorders could be contributing to the existence and level of Depression a person suffers. This would result in behavioural change. There is no causative evidence, only correlational. I am not sure if I inderstood your question correctly, but hope that I have.
In trying to answer the question with as much clarity as possible the body functions voluntarily and involuntarily based on neurotransmission that sends signals to the various parts of the body. The fact is that the mind and body function as one in most cases. Extreme stress is a key proponent of chronic illness and health risk based on the amount of toxins that are emitted within the body in a trickery attempt to deflect the stress (fight or flight response). Nonetheless, it takes a toll physiologically on the body because the brain sends signals to other parts of the body based on the stress level. The human body is not constructed to endure high levels of stress for prolonged periods of time in that the body needs time to heal and build strength back up (much like a video game character that has depleted power reserves and has to build back up to maximum strength). Cognitive thought processes in the human mind has the potential to raise blood pressure and elevate heart rates. The mind controls the heart in that signals are sent through nerve endings in the spine that instruct the heart what to do involuntarily, based on a pre-programmed nerve circuitry. Major consequences in behavioral change depends on the individuals capacity to adapt and remain functional to the extent that involuntary and voluntary body functions remain at a normal level. Furthermore, the importance of the question is reflected in today’s current integration of wellness programs to help employees cope with stress and stay healthy. Mental wellness correlates to physical wellness.
Interesting topic. The cardiac disorder, present in both humans and other animals, is takotsubo cardiomyopathy---the direct result of an enormous sympathetic nervous system discharge of catecholamines, especially epi and norepi.
Dear Dr Tom, Dr Tanita, and Dr Cheryl;
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The mind or the brain controls the body. There's no doubt about that. We're just not intelligent enough at this time in human history to figure out exactly how everything works and how they are connected. We know quite a bit about the neuroendocrine system that influences some physiological changes in the body that are triggered but emotions or situations. I'm currently writing regarding "the placebo effects as evidence that the mind controls the body".
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