John M. Kennedy, M.D.

Part 2: We had just started to discuss the brain-heart connection in Part 1 of our interview with Dr. John M. Kennedy. We continue here:

DJK: We all need to understand the brain-heart connection and work with it. The heart and brain are in constant communication. We are learning that the heart has its own mini-brain. It sends impulses and signals to the brain, as well. We have to pay attention, though.

When we have sweaty palms, dry mouth and other symptoms of stress, those are bodily cues that remind us that this conversation between the heart and brain is going on. These cues are an invitation to us to stop stress in tracks.

Now, if we relax instead of stress, we lower the heart rate, blood pressure, inflammation and so on.

RZ/CRZ: You’ve created a simple but very effective technique called the B.R.E.A.T.H.E. technique that helps and you post it on your website.

DJK: Emotional stress is a universal language. But so is the B.R.E.A.T.H.E. technique. I wanted to create an easy, self-directed way to help my patients lower their stress levels. Studies show that low heart rate variability is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality, and a higher risk of heart problems. Low heart rate variability occurs for example when we are stressed and when our “fight-flight” response is triggered. High heart rate variability, on the other hand, which can be elicited by deep breathing and visualization techniques, stimulates the “relaxation response,” the opposite of the stress response. When we inhale deeply our heart rate subtly increases, and when we exhale our heart rate decreases. This fluctuation in heart rate—heart rate variability—is a measure of the relaxation response.

If you follow the B.R.E.A.T.H.E. steps your heart rate will vary, you will relax and also have better focus and concentration. It is seven step relaxation tool that combines two proven forms of relaxation therapy: breath-work and guided imagery. It helps you learn to be in the moment.

RZ/CRZ: Dr. Kennedy, for people who have prayed, meditated, and used guided imagery, many of these steps are familiar.

DJK: I actually based it on sports psychology, meditation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The technique can be used in business as well. You know, in other cultures, Italy for example, people work to live. Here in America, we live to work.  I speak to corporations about how to decrease workplace stress.

RZ/CRZ: That is something we all need to learn to do—probably heart surgeons, too!

DJK: Sure, we all need to downshift and be in the moment. There are actually two main kinds of identified workplace stress. There is what is called “physical stress”—that is, simply too much work to do and not enough time. Then there is “social isolation stress”—that is the kind of stress that takes place when you aren’t being recognized for the work you do, you are stuck, no one appreciates you, and you have no chance to move up or out.

RZ/CRZ: Ouch. Both of those feelings are immediately recognizable, whether or not they are our perceptions or reality.

DJK: The B.R.E.A.T.H.E. technique can help with that. But also I created a guided imagery CD for some corporations and they have used it. With lessened stress, there is even a proven benefit to the company—a lower rate of absenteeism for one thing.

RZ: I actually do consulting, usually for behavioral health companies, and have spoken about the benefits of creating a corporate culture—a real one, not just on paper—that reduces stress in the workplace. I am excited to recommend your book and the B.R.E.A.T.H.E. technique to people because it is very clearly non-denominational, very easy to learn, and enjoyable.

RZ/CRZ: We’d like to ask another question—you probably hear this frequently: Can people die of a “broken heart”?

DJK: Absolutely. In fact there have been studies done that show that grief can precipitate a heart attack. Evidence that stress can cause a broken heart, marital arguing patterns can cause cardiovascular mortality, especially in women who repress their feelings.

CRZ: What about women who cry, scream, generally get it all out?

(Semi-humorous pause).

DJK: Certainly it’s better to emote. In Japan, they’ve done studies where they’ve examined “broken-heart syndrome” in post-menopausal women. When they have an emotionally charged event, such as a marital problem, a breakup, it might precipitate cardiovascular changes that mimic a heart attack. Usually the charged events are relationship-driven.

They call this syndrome, tako tsubo. Tako is octopus in Japanese and tsubo is a fishing trap—it’s got a round bottom and a skinny neck so the octopus can get in, but not get out.  In the case of someone with this condition, the heart actually changes into this shape! This is caused by massive outpouring of stress hormones, adrenalin and cortisol. Fortunately, most of the time it is reversible.

Also, a person can actually be scared to death! When there is a tremendous outpouring of adrenalin it’s like pouring kerosene on a fire. It can put tremendous strain on the heart muscle.

RZ: That’s actually what a panic attack can feel like!

DJK: We have to learn to be in the present, learn how to relax. The time you spend relaxing is valuable—you cannot afford to not do it.

I remember when my first child was born. Like most parents, I was perseverating about the baby’s first breath. Would it come? Then you hear that cry, and everyone is elated. That moment is the beginning of the conversation between the heart and brain. But after the first breath, it’s the last time most of us think about it.

RZ/CRZ: So, what we’ve learned is that by paying attention to the messages our body sends us, we are in a way connecting with that elemental moment—the moment we are born. That is a powerful image and a very convincing reason to check out the B.R.E.A.T.H.E. technique.

—

Thank you, Dr. Kennedy. for sharing your expertise with us.

We are currently reading Dr. Kennedy’s Book The 15-Minute Heart Cure and recommend it. Also, Dr. Kennedy was kind enough to send us his B.R.E.A.T.H.E. CD, which we both enjoyed. CR, who has led meditation and guided visualization in the past, commented that she likes the practical accessiblity of this CD–anyone can use it and it is brief enough to use on a lunch break during a hectic workday. The CD is divided into 2 main parts. The first part teaches you the breathwork technique and uses guided visualization and there are reminders about B.R.E.A.T.H.E. so the technique becomes easy to remember. The second part features pleasant nature sounds (we liked the birds), and music that is relaxing without being overly new-agey (we wish there was more of it!). You can order the  B.R.E.A.T.H.E. CD on this link as well as a CD Dr. Kennedy developed for pre-surgery relaxation. There are also several free radio interviews with Dr. Kennedy for download and some interesting articles he has written.

Dr. John M. Kennedy, co-author of The 15 Minute Heart Cure: The Natural Way to Release Stress and Heal Your Heart in Just Minutes a Day, works as the Director of Preventive Cardiology and Wellness, Marina Del Rey Hospital, Marina Del Rey, California. He is on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association and speaks regularly on their behalf. His special interest, which is highlighted in his book, is stress and how it adversely affects our delicate cardiovascular system. He lectures regularly on the subject and has helped companies educate employees on how to manage stress in the workplace.

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    Last reviewed: 29 Mar 2010