India M. Clamp

Learning recently about the heart provokes a hush and silence---when discussed---in common circles of colleagues. Many recall acute experiences with a family member that endured a myocardial infarction. To many, the heart is just a mechanical pump controlled exclusively by the brain. And to others, it is the crimson symbol of love. But to a man who has structured his life around the heart, it's not just a meaningless organ. Vincent M. Figueredo, is a cardiologist. He explains the inner workings (from past to present) to assist us in our comprehension. This labor took him five years to write. Inside, we board a journey on an imaginary boat of human history tracing the evolution of our understanding of the heart; and its' meaning is to us---multi-disciplinary approach. “Ancient civilizations conceived of gods or a single God to explain their existence and the creation of the universe. Most cultures believed God was inside each person; in their heart. For many, the way to connect with God was through their heart.” —Vincent M. Figueredo There is evidence of a heart-brain connection in both mental and physical health. Perhaps this congeals the ancient views of the heart having some relevance to being connected to the brain. The heart sends an equal amount of signals as it receives from the brain. Signals from the heart directly influence functioning in many parts of the brain---the medulla, hypothalamus, and the amygdala. The heart also affects the brain through hormones (love hormone oxytocin). The heart also influences the brain via rhythmic electromagnetic energy. A negative paradigm of this is arrhythmias, abnormal heart rhythms (causing anxiety/panic attacks). Positive signs include: meditation, mindfulness, singing, and feelings of compassion/appreciation to produce coherent, harmonious heart rhythms affecting brain processing of attention, motivation, pain centers, and emotion. There is a clear connection twixt the heart and brain.