How does heart’s health affect the brain?

Looking after the heart is a solid investment in the brain and, by extension, a healthier, wealthier life.

Dr Vamsi Chalasani

Published Apr 09, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 09, 2025 | 7:00 AM

Cardiovascular diseases can lead to diminished blood flow to the brain, which in turn may damage brain tissue and affect cognitive function.

Synopsis: Eating well, staying active, and relaxing with yoga and meditation can go a long way in keeping the heart healthy.

Humans stand on different levels. Amid the multicoloured fabric of India, where day-to-day existence varies greatly, there is a growing awareness of the importance of holistic health.

In addition to traditional wisdom, modern science confirms that a healthy body is the foundation for a healthy mind.

This growing relationship between cardiovascular health and cognitive function is a complex and multidirectional one. Besides pumping blood, the heart is fuelling the brain (the house of our thoughts and feelings).

Also Read: Dr Devi Shetty on heart’s health

The vital connection

The brain is an extremely complex organ that uses a large percentage of the body’s oxygen and nutrients. It relies heavily on an efficient circulatory network.

When it does work, the heart provides a steady and efficient delivery of these essential nutrients. Such a steady stream of oxygenated blood nourishes the brain’s intricate network of neurons, enabling vigorous cognitive processing, memory, and general mentation.

However, cardiovascular diseases, namely hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure, can disrupt this delicate equilibrium. These conditions can lead to diminished blood flow to the brain, which in turn may damage brain tissue and affect cognitive function.

Also Read: Gaps in health screening and cardiac arrests in fitness enthusiasts

Impact on cognitive function

• Memory and learning: An adequate supply of blood is crucial for the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in memory and learning. The supply of sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the hippocampus by a healthy heart will help it function properly which causes better memory and learning.
• Executive function: The prefrontal cortex responsible for executive functions, including planning, decision-making, and problem-solving, is only as efficient as the cardiovascular system which keeps it well supplied. The optimal brain blood flow allows the prefrontal cortex to digest information and carry out complex operations.
• Reduced risk of cognitive impairment: Studies show that maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system significantly reduces the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. A healthy heart leads to better oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain, protecting it against the gradual decline in cognitive ability.
• Mental health: It lowers the risk of depression and anxiety and improves mood. The physical effects of cardiovascular health, combined with the psychological benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle, can be beneficial for mental health.

Lifestyle changes and urbanisation have led to a rise in cardiovascular diseases in India. Eating well, staying active, and relaxing with yoga and meditation can go a long way in keeping the heart healthy.

By embracing a holistic style of health — encompassing both physical and mental well-being — India can propel its citizens beyond the physical state and enable that cognitive acuity and mental vigor needed to thrive in a changing world. The message is clear: looking after the heart is a solid investment in the brain and, by extension, a healthier, wealthier life.

(Dr Vamsi Chalasani is a Consultant Neurologist at the Manipal Hospital in Vijayawada. Edited by Majnu Babu).

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