Accuracy of heartbeat perception is reflected in the amplitude of the heartbeat‐evoked brain potential

TLDR

Neurotransmission from the heart to the brain generates a heartbeat‑evoked potential (HEP). The study examined whether the ability to detect one’s own heartbeats influences the HEP. Participants performed a heartbeat perception task while EEG, EOG, and ECG were recorded, with the ECG R‑wave used as a trigger for EEG averaging, and were classified as good or poor perceivers based on task performance. In the 250–350 ms post‑R‑wave window, the HEP amplitude at the right central scalp was significantly higher in good perceivers and positively correlated with perception scores, confirming that heartbeat‑perception accuracy is reflected in HEP amplitude and suggesting its utility as a tool for studying visceral perception.

Abstract

Abstract Neurotransmission from the heart to the brain results in a heartbeat‐evoked potential (HEP). In this study, the influence of the ability to detect one's heartbeats based on the HEP was examined. According to their results in a heartbeat perception task, subjects were classified as good ( n =18) or poor ( n =26) heartbeat perceivers. EEG, EOG, and ECG were recorded while participants attended to their heartbeats. The R‐wave of the ECG served as a trigger for EEG averaging. In the latency range of 250–350 ms after the ECG R‐wave, the HEP amplitude at the right central location was significantly higher in good heartbeat perceivers. A significantly positive correlation was observed between the heartbeat perception score and the mean HEP amplitude. Our results confirm that the accuracy of heartbeat perception is reflected in the amplitude of the HEP. Thus, the HEP may be a suitable research tool for the study of brain processes related to visceral perception.