Editor’s Note: This story has been changed from the print version to correct the title of Dr. Kennedy’s book.

Dr. John Kennedy doesn’t want employees to have heart attacks – and he claims to have a method to help workers prevent them.

The Marina del Rey cardiologist has developed a deceptively simple technique that he believes can prevent cardiac problems, as outlined in his 2010 book, “The 15 Minute Heart Cure.”

The web-based protocol takes workers through slow breathing exercises as they focus on a series of soothing scenes displayed on a computer screen, such as orchards, lakes and rivers.

Sound hokey?

Kennedy said he developed the technique after running a cardiac laboratory in Northern California and seeing how patients would drive themselves into a frenzy while waiting to take their tests, adversely affecting the results. He began researching the relationship between stress and heart attacks after seeing startlingly better results for tests and procedures after showing patients a relaxation CD he created for use in the waiting room.

“This is a technique that is easy to understand and learn,” said Kennedy, director of preventive cardiology and wellness at Marina del Rey Hospital.

To cash in on his find, Kennedy wrote his book and recently launched a subscription website: BreatheforWellness.com. Individuals pay an annual $15 fee for daily access, but Kennedy said his real target customers are companies, which often contribute significantly to their employees’ stress levels.

“Companies understand that workplace stress has a huge impact and that a healthy workplace equals a healthy business,” he said.

Kennedy’s protocol has not been subject to clinical trials. But Minneapolis-based medical device giant Medtronic Inc. was convinced enough to test the doctor’s service, becoming the first customer when the website launched in December. Kennedy also is in discussions with health insurers, which could eventually offer his service as a workplace benefit.

“This is a practice that not only can reduce heart attacks, but also reduce absenteeism and even enhance your performance at work,” said Kennedy, who has been featured on the “ABC Evening News.”

– Deborah CroweDr. John Kennedy doesn’t want employees to have heart attacks – and he claims to have a method to help workers prevent them.

The Marina del Rey cardiologist has developed a deceptively simple technique that he believes can prevent cardiac problems, as outlined in his 2010 book, “The 15 Minute Health Cure.”

The web-based protocol takes workers through slow breathing exercises as they focus on a series of soothing scenes displayed on a computer screen, such as orchards, lakes and rivers.

Sound hokey?

Kennedy said he developed the technique after running a cardiac laboratory in Northern California and seeing how patients would drive themselves into a frenzy while waiting to take their tests, adversely affecting the results. He began researching the relationship between stress and heart attacks after seeing startlingly better results for tests and procedures after showing patients a relaxation CD he created for use in the waiting room.

“This is a technique that is easy to understand and learn,” said Kennedy, director of preventive cardiology and wellness at Marina del Rey Hospital.

To cash in on his find, Kennedy wrote his book and recently launched a subscription website: BreatheforWellness.com. Individuals pay an annual $15 fee for daily access, but Kennedy said his real target customers are companies, which often contribute significantly to their employees’ stress levels.

“Companies understand that workplace stress has a huge impact and that a healthy workplace equals a healthy business,” he said.

Kennedy’s protocol has not been subject to clinical trials. But Minneapolis-based medical device giant Medtronic Inc. was convinced enough to test the doctor’s service, becoming the first customer when the website launched in December. Kennedy also is in discussions with health insurers, which could eventually offer his service as a workplace benefit.

“This is a practice that not only can reduce heart attacks, but also reduce absenteeism and even enhance your performance at work,” said Kennedy, who has been featured on the “ABC Evening News.”