Could this be a case where we’re not listening to nature? If we artificially extend the life of someone who’s had a heart attack by implanting a defibrillator, says this study, chances go up that the person will then develop heart failure.

This may be another clue in our quest to discover nature’s way rather than applying our own intellectualized solutions to things. I know if the day comes when I need to have a valve or something else in my heart replaced, I’m going to hold out for a stem cell solution as long as possible. And I’m sure not going to let them put a piece of metal in there…

Then again, we might interpret the study results to mean that our hearts know when it’s time for us to go. Only time will tell how much further we will be able to extend the average lifespan.