The heart is a muscular organ about the size of a fist, located just behind and slightly left of the breastbone.

The heart pumps blood through the network of arteries and veins called the cardiovascular system.

The heart pumps blood with a rhythm determined by a group of pacemaking cells in the sinoatrial node.
The heart receives blood low in oxygen from the systemic circulation, which enters the right atrium from the superior and inferior venae cavae and passes to the right ventricle.

 

Oxygenated blood then returns to the left atrium, passes through the left ventricle and is pumped out through the aorta to the systemic circulation where the oxygen is used and metabolized to carbon dioxide.
The heart beats at a resting rate close to 72 beats per minute.

 

The heart has four chambers:
The right atrium receives blood from the veins and pumps it to the right ventricle.
The right ventricle receives blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs, where it is loaded with oxygen.
The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle.
The left ventricle (the strongest chamber) pumps oxygen rich blood to the rest of the body.

The left ventricle’s vigorous contractions create our blood pressure.

 

The coronary arteries run along the surface of the heart and provide oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle.
A web of nerve tissue also runs through the heart, conducting the complex signals that govern contraction and relaxation. Surrounding the heart is a sac called the pericardium.

 

 

Heart Conditions:

1. Coronary artery disease;
2. Stable angina pectoris;
3. Unstable angina pectoris;
4. Myocardial infarction;
5. Arrhythmia (dysrhythmia);
6. Congestive heart failure;
7. Cardiomyopathy;
8. Myocarditis;
9. Pericarditis;
10. Pericardial effusion;
11. Atrial fibrillation;
12. Pulmonary embolism;
13. Heart valve disease;
14. Heart murmur;
15. Endocarditis;
16. Mitral valve prolapse;
17. Sudden cardiac death;
18. Cardiac arrest.

 

Signs of a Healthy Heart
If you plan to enjoy a long, active life, you have to keep your heart in good shape.

Anything you do that involves physical movement and burns energy, from walking the dog to cycling to work, benefits your heart.

 

 

Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading below 120/80 is in the healthy range.
The first number, 120, measures your arterial pressure while the second number, 80, measures the pressure of your relaxed heart muscle.
A reading above 130/80 indicates your blood pressure is too high, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.

 

 

Energy Level

When your heart is doing it's job efficiently, your body is getting the blood borne oxygen and nutrients it needs, fueling you with enough energy to maintain your active lifestyle.
Chronic fatigue can be a warning sign of heart problems.

 

 

Cholesterol

Healthy levels of cholesterol in your blood are vital for important functions like cell production.
However, too much LDL cholesterol in your blood stream can form blockages that impede blood flow, raising your risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

 

 

Quick Recovery Rate

The ability to quickly rebound to your normal heart rate after intensive exercise is another sign you have a healthy heart.
You can test yourself by taking your heart rate immediately after exercising and again after resting for one minute. Ideally, your rate should have dropped by 20 beats or more.

 

 

Good Oral Health

While periodontal disease results from a bacterial infection, sore and bleeding gums can also be an early alert for heart disease.
Bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream, causing arterial inflammation and plaque buildup, doubling your risk of heart disease.