Beyond the Pump: A Narrative Study Exploring Heart Memory

Beyond the Pump: A Narrative Study Exploring Heart Memory

The field of organ transplantation, particularly heart transplantation, has brought to light interesting phenomena challenging traditional understandings of memory, identity, and consciousness. Studies indicate that heart transplant recipients may exhibit preferences, emotions, and memories resembli...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 4; p. e59385
Main Authors: Al-Juhani, Abdulkreem, Imran, Muhammad, Aljaili, Zeyad K, Alzhrani, Meshal M, Alsalman, Rawan A, Ahmed, Marwah, Ali, Dana K, Fallatah, Mutaz I, Yousuf, Hamad M, Dajani, Leena M
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Cureus Inc 30-04-2024
Cureus
Subjects:
Brain research
Cardiac/Thoracic/Vascular Surgery
Cardiology
Communication
Drownings
Emotions
Food
Heart transplants
Hormones
Identity
Memory
Music
Nervous system
Peptides
Personality
Psychology
Sexual orientation
cellular memory
organ transplantation
personal identity
cardiac transplantation
heart-brain connection
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Summary:The field of organ transplantation, particularly heart transplantation, has brought to light interesting phenomena challenging traditional understandings of memory, identity, and consciousness. Studies indicate that heart transplant recipients may exhibit preferences, emotions, and memories resembling those of the donors, suggesting a form of memory storage within the transplanted organ. Mechanisms proposed for this memory transfer include cellular memory, epigenetic modifications, and energetic interactions. Moreover, the heart's intricate neural network, often referred to as the "heart brain," communicates bidirectionally with the brain and other organs, supporting the concept of heart-brain connection and its role in memory and personality. Additionally, observations from hemispherectomy procedures highlight the brain's remarkable plasticity and functional preservation beyond expectations, further underscoring the complex interplay between the brain, body, and identity. However, ethical and philosophical questions regarding the implications of these findings, including the definition of death and the nature of personal identity, remain unresolved. Further interdisciplinary research is needed to unravel the intricacies of memory transfer, neuroplasticity, and organ integration, offering insights into both organ transplantation and broader aspects of neuroscience and human identity. Understanding these complexities holds promise for enhancing patient care in organ transplantation and deepens our understanding of fundamental aspects of human experience and existence.
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ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.59385