The parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic systems are involved in several body functions. Cardiovascular risk factors can be estimated through autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. Previous studies have already supported the relevance of improved parasympathetic function to maintain a good health status.Currently, it is well documented that people with high physical activity status present better ANS function, as well as non-smokers subjects. Many factors are related to impaired ANS function, including, sedentary habits, smoking, high fat intake, genetic changes, etc.In this scenario, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been proposed to improve parasympathetic activity and thus the health status. Basic and clinical studies are trying to better understand the association between the ANS and health.For example, studies exploring the vagus nerve provided important mechanisms regarding how this nerve stimulation improve cardiovascular, metabolic, gastrointestinal and behavioral function.On the other hand, it was previously evidenced that chronic increased sympathetic activity is related to higher cardiovascular and metabolic risk, leading to high chances to develop hypertension, diabetes, stroke and dyslipidemia for instance. Research groups that evaluated heart rate variability via symbolic analysis suggested that increased sympathetic control of heart rhythm is involved in poor cardiovascular function.In this context, this Research Topic calls researchers in the area of neuroscience and aim to provide an overview of evidence that evaluate the involvement of the ANS in health. Authors are welcome to explore experimental and clinical studies related to the relationship between ANS and disease, studies with vagal control of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, projects that evaluate the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in health and disease, tools for vagal stimulation development and also systematic reviews.
The parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic systems are involved in several body functions. Cardiovascular risk factors can be estimated through autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. Previous studies have already supported the relevance of improved parasympathetic function to maintain a good health status.Currently, it is well documented that people with high physical activity status present better ANS function, as well as non-smokers subjects. Many factors are related to impaired ANS function, including, sedentary habits, smoking, high fat intake, genetic changes, etc.In this scenario, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been proposed to improve parasympathetic activity and thus the health status. Basic and clinical studies are trying to better understand the association between the ANS and health.For example, studies exploring the vagus nerve provided important mechanisms regarding how this nerve stimulation improve cardiovascular, metabolic, gastrointestinal and behavioral function.On the other hand, it was previously evidenced that chronic increased sympathetic activity is related to higher cardiovascular and metabolic risk, leading to high chances to develop hypertension, diabetes, stroke and dyslipidemia for instance. Research groups that evaluated heart rate variability via symbolic analysis suggested that increased sympathetic control of heart rhythm is involved in poor cardiovascular function.In this context, this Research Topic calls researchers in the area of neuroscience and aim to provide an overview of evidence that evaluate the involvement of the ANS in health. Authors are welcome to explore experimental and clinical studies related to the relationship between ANS and disease, studies with vagal control of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, projects that evaluate the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in health and disease, tools for vagal stimulation development and also systematic reviews.