when the communication of afferent signals from the heart
to the brain is compromised, there is less awareness
of feeling sensations in the body.
In summary, evidence now clearly demon-
strates that afferent signals from the heart signifi -
cantly influence cortical activity. Specifically, we now
know that afferent messages from the cardiovascular
system are not only relayed to the brain stem to ex-
ert homeostatic effects on cardiovascular regulation,
but also have separate effects on aspects of higher
perceptual activity and mental processing.
Rollin McCraty, Ph.D.