The Second Heartbeat

TW-176 is in voluntary cooperation. They undergo regular cardiac monitoring. They have requested that if they die, an autopsy be conducted to identify the second heartbeat's source. M.A.L.I.C.E has agreed.

TW-176 is an individual with two distinct heartbeats — not the same rhythm doubled, but two independently pacing rhythms out of phase with each other. Medical examination finds only one heart. Neither rhythm corresponds to any documented cardiac pattern. The individual has described hearing a second person's heartbeat inside their own chest since childhood and refers to it as 'my other.' They are in good health. The second rhythm has never matched the first, even under anaesthetic.

TW-176 was referred by a cardiologist who, after fitting a heart monitor, contacted M.A.L.I.C.E's medical liaison in some distress. The cardiologist has since retrained in a different specialism.

No incident reports on file.