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| visual image of the human heart |
The heart is a muscular organ located in the middle of the chest, with its apex tilted slightly to the left. It is part of the cardiovascular system. The heart's primary function is to pump oxygen-rich blood around the body through an extensive network of arteries and veins.
The heart consists of four chambers that regulate the movement of blood to the lungs and to other parts of the body. The chambers of the heart are:
- Right atrium: The right atrium receives blood coming through the veins and pumps it into the right ventricle.
- Right ventricle: The right ventricle receives blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs to be loaded with oxygen.
- Left atrium: The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it into the left ventricle.
- Left ventricle: The left ventricle, which is the strongest chamber of the heart, receives oxygen-laden blood from the left atrium and pumps it through the arteries to all parts of the body. Left ventricular contractions contribute to the formation of what is known as blood pressure.
The heart is one of the most important organs of the human body, if not the most important one at all, because it is the organ responsible for pumping blood to all parts of the body. The lungs are above the stomach, protected by the rib cage, and its size is approximately the size of a fist, and it weighs approximately 250 to 300 grams, and the number of heartbeats reaches approximately one hundred thousand beats per day, as the heart of an adult beats from sixty to eighty beats per minute, while modern Birth Their hearts beat in one minute from seventy beats to approximately one hundred and ninety, and the heart is considered the organ responsible for blood circulation in the body, and it is called the circulatory system.
The importance of the heart
The heart is responsible for pumping oxygen-laden blood to all cells of the body, so that these cells take oxygen from the blood and use it to produce their own food, then excrete carbon dioxide and some waste, so the blood carries the waste and carbon dioxide gas from the cells and sends them to the lung to purify and filter it. to pump it again, while the lung gets oxygen through the processes of inhalation and exhalation, and the heart pumps about five liters per minute, and this amount increases to three times when doing aerobic exercises because the heartbeat increases then, and the heart muscle needs a percentage of seven percent of the amount of oxygen loaded in the blood to be able to carry out its function efficiently and naturally, and the lack of oxygen leads to a state of anaerobic metabolism that causes pain that results in angina pectoris, the heart is responsible for the blood circulation of the body, and if the heart is weak or diseased, this affects over the entire body; Because the heart is responsible for supplying the body with the blood necessary to carry out its work normally. The heart is responsible for emotions, sensations, and feelings in the human body, as studies have shown that people who have implanted an artificial heart have lost their sense of emotions and feelings, as a study was conducted on a person who had an artificial heart implanted, and it was found that he had become a dull or apathetic person and did not carry any kind of heart disease. Emotions such as love or sadness and others.
Prevention of heart disease
You can prevent heart disease by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. Here are strategies to help protect your heart.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death, but it is not inevitable. While you can't change some risk factors — such as family history, gender or age — there are many ways you can reduce your risk of heart disease.
- You should not smoke or use tobacco products
One of the best things you can do for your heart is to stop smoking or use smokeless tobacco. Even if you don't smoke, make sure you avoid secondhand smoke.
The chemicals in tobacco can harm your heart and blood vessels. Cigarette smoke reduces the oxygen in the blood, which increases blood pressure and heart rate, as the heart has to work harder to provide enough oxygen to your body and mind.
There is good news though. The risk of heart disease begins to decrease in less than one day after you quit smoking. After a year of quitting smoking, the risk of heart disease drops to about half that of a smoker. No matter how long you've been smoking, you'll start reaping the rewards once you quit.
- Get moving: Aim to be active for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day
Regular daily physical activities can reduce the risk of heart disease. Physical activities help control your weight. It also reduces the chance of developing other conditions that can stress the heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
If you haven't exercised for a while, start slowly until you reach your goals, but in general, you should make sure you do at least the following:
- 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking at a brisk pace
- 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as running
- Two or more strength training sessions per week
Even shorter periods of activity offer heart benefits. So if you can't meet these guidelines, don't give up. Just five minutes of moving can help, and activities such as gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count toward your move total. You don't have to exercise vigorously to get benefits from it, but you can achieve greater benefits by increasing the intensity, duration and frequency of the exercises you do.
Follow a heart-healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet can help protect the heart, improve blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. A heart-healthy eating plan includes:
vegetables and fruits
Beans or other legumes
Lean meat and fish
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products
Whole grains
Healthy fats, such as olive oil
Maintain a healthy weight
With more weight, especially around the waist, the risk of heart disease goes up. Excess weight can lead to conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
BMI is based on height and weight to determine whether a person is overweight or obese. A BMI of 25 or higher is indicative of being overweight, and is generally associated with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Waist circumference can also be a useful way to measure the amount of belly fat. The risk of heart disease increases if the waist measurement is greater than:
40 inches (101.6 centimetres, or cm) for men
35 inches (88.9 cm) for women
Losing weight, even just a little bit, can be good for your health. Reducing weight by just 3% to 5% can help reduce some of the fats in the blood (triglycerides), lower blood sugar (glucose), and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Losing more weight also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Get a good sleep
People who don't get enough sleep have an increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes and depression.
Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. Make sleep a priority in your life. Set a sleep schedule and stick to it by going to bed and waking up at the same times each day. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet, so it's easier to fall asleep.
If you feel like you're getting enough sleep but are still tired throughout the day, see your doctor if you need to be screened for obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can increase your risk of heart disease. Signs of obstructive sleep apnea include loud snoring, short pauses in breathing during sleep, and waking up struggling to breathe. Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea may include losing weight if you're overweight, or using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to keep your airway open while you sleep.
Dealing with stress
Some people deal with stress in unhealthy ways, such as overeating, drinking alcohol, or smoking. And finding alternative ways to manage stress — such as physical activities, relaxation exercises or meditation — may improve your health.
Regular health check-ups
High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage the heart and blood vessels. But you may not know you have these conditions unless you're tested for them. Regular checkups can let you know the results and whether you need to take action.
- blood pressure. Regular blood pressure checks usually start in childhood. Beginning at age 18, blood pressure should be measured at least every two years to screen for high blood pressure as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
If you're between the ages of 18 and 39 and have risk factors for high blood pressure, you'll likely be asked to be screened once a year. People age 40 and older also have their blood pressure tested once a year.
- cholesterol levels. Adults generally have their cholesterol measured at least once every four to six years. Cholesterol screening usually begins at age 20, although earlier screenings may be recommended if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of early-onset heart disease.
Type 2 diabetes screening. Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease. If you have risk factors for diabetes, such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes, your doctor may recommend early screening. If this is not the case, screening is recommended starting at age 45, with re-testing every three years.
If you have a condition such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, your doctor may prescribe medications and recommend lifestyle changes. Make sure you take your medications as instructed by your doctor and follow a healthy lifestyle plan.
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