The influence of feelings on our physiology - specifically on our heart - is a theme that goes beyond romantic literature to be studied by science. So, today we will ask ourselves what science can tell us about it.
Last update: 06 March, 2019
From a symbolic point of view, the heart is the organ of feelings, in part because it coincides with the heartbeat of life. Physiologically, the reality is quite different; however, it is not entirely wrong to say that the management of our emotions can directly affect the health of our circulatory system and, in turn, its main organ: the heart. But How does the influence of feelings on the heart occur?
The influence of feelings on the heart always occurs and in different ways. For example, traumatic situations can occur in the course of life, in which the individual is faced with a truly worrying level of stress. All the experiences they provoke a high level of frustration and suffering directly affect the quality of life.
A century ago, scientist Karl Pearson had a peculiar illumination as he looked at the gravestones at the cemetery: spouses usually die within a year of each other.
-Anahad O’Connor, The New York Times–
The New York Times analyzes the influence of feelings on the heart
The New York Times, in its article How emotions can affect the heart, argues that this organ is both a relatively simple biological machine and a vital organ with enormous symbolic potential. The literary scenario of the novel, sadness, fear and courage.
In Western culture the heart has a lot of importance, since it is considered as a sort of crystalline surface on which love reflects and feeds on. The publication of the New York newspaper also states that stress and loss of hope can significantly affect health.
It also clarifies that stress peaks make the heart suffer, which increases its pulse and tension, while the rest of the body does not follow it (the opposite of what happens when we do physical activity).
The emotional weight causes the heart to take the shape of a Japanese vase called a takotsubo: wide base and narrow neck.
-Anahad O’Connor, The New York Times–
Studies showing the influence of feelings on the heart
Josep M. Caralps, the first cardiovascular surgeon to perform a heart transplant in Spain in 1984, gave birth to the idea that perhaps the heart generates feelings and emotions by itself, and that it is the brain that transmits them. This idea has caused quite a stir in the medical community, which has no evidence yet.
In this regard, this doctor argues that many of his transplant patients then developed new feelings and emotions about things they had never done before. The doctor - a specialist in cardiology - claims that this is a consequence of the heart transplant, which recalls his previous body.
However, many colleagues are reluctant about his statements and about endorsing the influence of feelings on the heart, as they consider the scientific evidence to support this thesis insufficient.
My conclusion is that cells have an intuitive basis only within reach of those people whose sensitivity allows them to identify certain aspects of the donor's personal history, stored in the transplanted tissues. The rest are speculations. I just collect statements.
-Josep M. Caralps-
The broken heart syndrome: the influence of feelings
Heartbreak Syndrome is the result of a very deep sadness. A sadness that affects the functioning of the nervous system (SN) and, consequently, of the rest of the organs. But is it possible that the heart "breaks" due to great pain?
The truth is that it is more likely to occur from a literary point of view than a literal one; however, chronic and intense negative emotions (which persist over time) can compromise the functioning of the Circulatory System.
Furthermore, it makes sense to say that one can die of lack of love. The negative feelings generated by the absence of reciprocated love, as well as by the presence of other sources of negative emotions, can directly affect the number and quality of our body's defenses. This is perhaps one of the most powerful reasons that activate our emotional sphere.
