At times it does a jig. At times it plays hop scotch.
Doctor visits, emergency room visits, and test after test are caused yearly by these hearts, but those tricky little muscles behave themselves when they are being watched.
It is as finicky as a cat, as mischievous as an imp,
Sleep on the wrong side, it protests.
Eat or drink something it doesn't like, it protests, sometimes for hours.
Slouch on the couch it becomes a grouch.
Try to kick up the workout a notch or two, and it complains like a child stamping his feet in protest.
Just try to fall asleep. It starts its jig.
Watch an intense flick and it starts its annoying kicking, like the kid at a movie theater kicking the back of your seat.
When sound asleep, it pounds to wake you then races in the 100 yard dash.
Often it gives no reason for its quirky behavior.
Internet search after internet search reveals hundreds or thousands of these temperamental hearts, which are driving as many minds crazy.
Doctor visits, emergency room visits, and test after test are caused yearly by these hearts, but those tricky little muscles behave themselves when they are being watched.
It is a plot to get the brain into trouble, for the poor brains are labeled "anxious". It's just stress the "experts" say. And the hearts snicker, pleased with themselves for the success of their ongoing prank.
Oh, the jigs, races, pounding and tantrums are harmless. They won't kill you. Nothing to worry about.
The heart acts out. The brain ignores it. The heart does a jig. The brain finds a distraction. The heart races and skips. The brain prays and meditates. The heart relentlessly throws a fit until the brain can no longer resist the temptation to fret. The heart dances with glee when it drives the brain to seek medical attention. Then, on cue, as soon as it is on stage for all to see, it beats steady and sure. And once again the brain is blamed and labeled anxious.
Occasionally, the stomach and heart team up to trick the brain. Yet the heart always leaves the stomach to take the blame with the brain. And the "anxious" brain is bullying the poor sensitive stomach to the point it makes it sick. The stomach gets the medicine, the brain gets blamed, and the heart is extremely satisfied with itself.
These quirky, finicky, tricky, impish hearts seem to be fit from all the extra activity. They know it. And the brain knows it. But when the heart thumps, skips, flips and races for extra attention, often enough, sometimes day and night, the brain eventually caves to the pressure once again.
Oh the power of the Quirky heart.
Lori Vidak
8-20-16
