Resumo:
This research paper investigates the contribution spirituality gives to the recovery of
hospitalized cardiac patients. Based on the verification of spiritual demands and on
the importance of a holistic or all encompassing treatment, this paper deals with the
benefits these have for the health of adult cardiac interned patients. In the second
part the research deals with the influence of spirituality on the risk factors for
cardiovascular illnesses, as well as with the issue of the crisis, the suffering and the
emotional problems of being hospitalized. It also investigates the relations between
emotions, the body and the spirit, showing the integration and the interferences
between the different dimensions of the human being, especially on psychossomatic
diseases. At the end the thesis deals with the role of faith and prayer in medicine and
the importance of treating the human being in a global way. It is suggested that
spirituality be included as a health resource in the formation of new professionals, as
well as recognize the importance of the spiritual counselor or chaplain in the holistic
treatment of a hospitalized cardiac patient.
