Benjamin Frey

Ms. Nelson

English 12

January 27, 2022

Cardiac Health

I chose to select a topic regarding the study and research of cardiology and its diverse

topics that surround the idea. Since birth and into my early childhood I lived a different life from

most. Being born with a heart murmur happened to put a few physical limitations on me but

mentally I knew I was going to be different. I had been told to not play physical or contact sports

but never knew why. I am not the only person in my family with this problem either. My oldest

sister Kayla had also been born with a murmur; however, she has not had to go through what I

did. During the year 2016 in October, I had to have open heart surgery. This life changing event

turned the path of my life and helped me find my purpose. While staying in the hospital I

experienced many different tests, surgeries, and experiences. In the end each of these experiences

gave me a new perspective on life. Going through these traumatic events firsthand, I feel have

given me firsthand knowledge of the experiences of heart health an its effects. Not just the

physical effects of surgery but also the mental side in finding a way to push through the

challenges. All these experiences lead me to want to know more. To know the inner working of

cardiac health and how to improve it. Since the surgery its has been my goal to raise awareness

about heart surgery and congenital heart diseases. Knowing the inner workings of our heart and

how it effects the body and it’s health is vital to a long life. I want to not only research the

physical but also the mental effects of heart surgery and conditions along with foods and
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nutrition, and even sports and athletics. All these things I am researching are something I have

firsthand knowledge with and hope to bring current information to light to those who want to

know more including myself.

The main source of primary research I am going to use is medical studies and statistics.

In tangent with my own firsthand experiences, picture, and story, I will be using interviews and

research gathered on similar case and procedures to mine. This may be challenging as there is

such a broad topic, I want to cover that finding the specifics may be challenging. However,

looking at the right sources and studies will give me the best research for my project.

Another large piece of information that I want to research in relation with cardiac health

is mental health. I know from personal experience that being in the hospital no matter what the

case can be mentally stressful. From personal experience I know the stress of anxiety and

uncertainty when you can’t control the outcome of a situation. This research conjoined with my

research about cardiac health can give a new perspective of mental health and study how

procedures and surgeries effect a person. This might not only be in a negative manner but also

used for positive. Having an optimistic and confident, determined mindset allowed me to get

where I am today. I hope to show others through research that you can overcome those mental

challenges through my research.

Through my research of the many aspects of cardiac health I hope to find evidence that

supports heart procures and they are many connections to everyday life. To understand how our

diet, exercises, and other factors affect our heart health. The human heart is a complex organ that

effects our body in a large way. Connecting this vital organ to “everyday life”, mental health,

and exercises can allow people to see the benefits of their heart health. In addition, bringing

awareness to heart procedures and they are effects on humans in the long term is something that I
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wan to research and inform on as well. All these factors combined with my own individual

experiences is why I would like to present this as my capstone project. It may seem broad but

with a little critical thinking I know I can produce a well thought out project to present.
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