A new study suggests that the vagus nerve is an important defender of the heart against aging[1]. Keeping this nerve connected to the heart protects heart cells and maintains the heart's strong pumping ability[1]. The lost integrity of the connection with the vagus nerve causes the heart to age faster[1]. Even a partial restoration of the connection of the right vagus nerve to the heart is sufficient to slow down the harmful changes in the heart tissue and preserve effective cardiac contractility[1]. The right cardiac vagus nerve acts as a guardian of cardiomyocyte health and promotes heart longevity independent of heart rate[1]. These findings open new possibilities for cardiac surgery and transplantation, where restoration of cardiac vagal innervation can protect the heart in the long term[1].