The Human Heart

One of the most important muscle in the human body is the human heart. There are certain systems of the body that begin working before birth and continue working every second for he remainder of your life.  The circulatory system is one of these hard working systems and at its center is the human heart.  This amazing organ is indeed very hardworking and is responsible for circulating oxygen rich blood through the human body allowing it to function properly.  Here we will learn a little more about how this organ works and common diseases that affect the heart.

How Does The Heart Work?
The heart is an amazing and complex organ that is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.  In order to function and thrive our brain and cells in the body need a constant supply of oxygen.  The right atrium (right side of the heart) receives de-oxygenated blood from the body.  This blood then moves through the Tricuspid Valve into the right ventricle, onto the Pulmonary Valve, finally moving on the pulmonary artery.

Once in the pulmonary artery, the blood goes to the lungs to pick up oxygen.  Oxygenated blood goes back to the heart via pulmonary veins arriving in the left atrium (left side of the heart).  Passing through the Mitral Valve into the left ventricle which pushes the blood out of the heart via the Aortic Valve into the aorta.  The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygen rich blood throughout the body.  From your first heart beat before birth until your final heart beat at death your heart will work continuously throughout your life to pump blood throughout your body.

Understanding Heart Disease.
While the basic workings of the heart are relatively easy to understand, even for a layman, the many diseases that affect the heart can become rather complex.  Affecting more than one quarter of all Americans, cardiovascular disease can present itself in many forms.  A few of these forms include:
•    Coronary artery disease (coronary heart disease)-  This is a condition where fatty deposits build up in the arteries leading to the heart.  These deposits known as plaque narrow the space which blood moves through and may eventually block the artery completely leading to a heart attack.  Certain lifestyles such as smoking, high stess and poor diet can lead to coronary artery disease so it is important to know the risk factors and avoid them to prevent developing this disease later in life.
•    Congenital heart disease or defects-  Heart defects that are present at birth and generally cause breathing difficulties and a failure to thrive in newborns.  The most common forms of congenital heart disease can be described using the term acyanotic heart disease.  Generally speaking this describes a defect in the walls separating the chambers of the heart or obstructions to one valve or artery.
•    Arrhythmia- Your heart beat is controlled by bundles of cells which control the electrical activity of the heart.  Heart arrhythmias occur when the beating (sequence) of you heart is disturbed either by skipping or adding a beat.  In most cases this is not life threatening, however there are some arrhythmias which may be life threatening.  While many arrhythmias are caused by coronary heart disease or a congenital defect, other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes can also contribute to this problem.  Reduce stress, limit caffeine, avoid smoking and alcohol if you have arrhythmias or other conditions affecting your heart’s natural beating pattern.

These are just three of the many conditions that affect the heart.  To learn more about how your heart works and preventative measures to reduce your chances of developing heart disease, visit the American Heart Association for more information.