Listening To Your Heart A s a nurse, I was taught the importance of listening care- fully to the rate, rhythm and specific sounds of a patient's heart. It was fascinating to learn how much vital infor- mation about my patient's health status could be gathered through the use of my stethoscope, knowledge and listening skills. Since my years as a cardiac nurse work- ing with critically ill patients, my under- standing of the heart has expanded beyond its physiological functioning to include its place in the human experience, in both a literal and metaphorical way. The very idea of a hospital unit called cardiac critical care exemplifies the cen- trality of the heart to human survival. Without a functioning heart, a person dies within minutes; so any threat to heart function is critical. But the heart is much more than a pump essential for maintaining life. If you take a second now to place your hand over the area where you feel love or joy or even fear in your body, chances are it will be near your heart. Think about the common use of terms such as heartfelt, open hearted, broken hearted, heartsick and heartache. These have little to do with the pump- ing of blood and much to do with deeply felt emotions. No other organ in the body is connected so deeply with emo- tions. In 2005, physicians identi- fied a condition called stress cardio- myopathy, also known as broken-heart syndrome. This syndrome involves a sudden and often severe decrease in the pumping ability of the heart, occurring in relation to physical or emotional stress. Reported cases have occurred after sud- den loss of a loved one, marital conflict, pain and even a sur- prise party! Cardiologist Mimi Guarneri, in her book The Heart Speaks, writes about the links between emotions and heart disease. She describes her professional jour- ney from fixing clogged arteries with stents to awareness that catheterization readings and cholesterol levels don't tell the whole story. She writes, "I have learned over the years that the deep sto- ries carved into the hearts of patients can be told only by them." She believes now that true healing can only occur when patients attend to their emotions along with their physical health. Drugs to lower cholesterol and blood pressure are among the top-selling catego- ries of drugs in the U.S. Yet research has demonstrated that stress, depression and other emotional disruptions are even more dangerous as risk factors for heart disease than cholesterol. While physicians may not have the time or inclination to focus on these issues with their patients, each of us can tune into our own hearts and our own stories. Meditation, relaxation, journaling and counseling are all ways to improve our emotional health, which will have a posi- tive impact on the health of our hearts, and thus our very survival. What does your heart have to say? O Dr. Denise Jacob, RN, PhD, CHt, practices hypnosis, healing touch and health counseling in Birmingham and is a frequent speaker for area organizations. For more information, visit www.jacobholistichealing.com or call (248) 514-8259. Our COMPASSION is based on RICH HERITAGE Non-Medical Home Care Serving the Elderly, Disabled, Busy Families, Families with Newborns, and people recovering from Illness. 24-Hour Care Light Housekeeping Personal Care Errands • Shopping Owner, Gretifl -relbrd with her Papa. Leopold Stolz. a Music Composer and Conductor born in 1866. Our services include taking care of our clients, as we ourselves would like to be treated. Consideration, confidentiality and common sense are our trademarks. Greti meets every new client and she then personally introduces a suitable caregiver. • Friendly & Cheerful Companionship • Assisted Home Living • Hospital Chaperones • Personal Care • Meal Preparation • Laundry • Transport • Shopping & Errands •Alzheimer/Dementia Care Complimentary Needs Assessment Bonded & Insured Loving, capable assistance when you need it. Phone: 248.601.4623 Cel1: 248.709 5723 B10 December 25 • 2008 iN eFftiffogt Smle,