Ear nerve zap may ease stiff heart condition

This study tested a gentle electrical stimulation of a nerve in the ear (called tVNS) to see if it could reduce inflammation and improve heart function and exercise ability in people with a type of heart failure called HFpEF. 52 adults with HFpEF received either the real stimulation or a fake (sham) device for one hour daily over three months. The goal was to see if this safe, non-invasive approach could offer a new way to help patients who have few treatment options.