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November 30, 1979, Vol 242, No. 22 >

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ARTICLE | November 30, 1979

Heart Surgery

Richard S. Blacher, MD; Richard J. Cleveland, MD
JAMA. 1979;242(22):2463-2464. doi:10.1001/jama.1979.03300220065033.
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THERE are few medical procedures more fraught with anxiety for the patient than surgery on the human heart. Because the heart occupies a unique position in the psychic life of man, cardiac surgery becomes an experience for the patient that is qualitatively different from any other surgery. The heart is not only the central organ of the body and historically the seat of emotions, it is the only organ that functions in a dramatic on-off mode. If it beats, one lives; if it stops its beat, one dies. This definition of death as equated with cessation of heartbeat is the prevalent one in our society, despite the more scientific resort to EEG findings. The heart, not the brain, is seen as the indicator of life and death.

Undergoing Surgery  Thus, the patient undergoing cardiac surgery has a different emotional task than the patient dealing with surgery on any other organ.

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