AORTA
The main artery that receives blood from the left side of the heart and
circulate it through the rest of the body. The blood in aorta is rich in oxygen
and will appear bright red.
PULMONARY ARTERY
This artery carries blood from right side of the heart to the lungs for
oxygenation. As the blood passes through small blood vessels in the lungs, it
will take up oxygen.
CORONARY ARTERIES
These are small arteries running on the surface of the heart, supplying the
heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients. There are usually three main coronary
arteries supplying the heart.
HEART MUSCLES
Also called myocytes. These muscle cells pumps blood in and out of the heart
during its contraction. If the muscles are weak, heart failure results.
GREAT VEINS
These veins, return poorly oxygenated blood from the body to the right side of
the heart. Blood from upper parts returns via SVC (superior vena cava) and from
the lower parts via IVC (inferior vena cava).
HEART FACTS
The heart weighs about 350 to 450 grams in an average adult.
It pumps about 80 cc of blood per heart beat. At average heart beat of 70 per
minute, in a day, the heart would have pumped 8 thousand liters of blood around
the body.
It is on automatic. Via specialised group of cells, the heart has a natural
pacemaker that will regulate the heart rate.
Some specialised muscle cells act as a conducting pathway, much like electrical
circuit. Signals from the pacemaker is transmitted to heart muscle in orderly
fashioned.
Cardiac valves separate the various chambers and great blood vessels. Acting
like a door, it allows blood flow only in one direction. There are four valves
in a normal heart.
Coronary arteries are special blood vessels running on the surface of the heart. They supply nutrient-rich blood to the hardworking heart muscle. A narrowing or blockage of these arteries causes heart attacks and coronary artery disease.
Major risk factors for coronary artery disease are:
1. Smoking
2. High cholesterol level
3. High blood pressure
4. Diabetes mellitus
5. Family history
Exercises increase the demand on circulatory system and condition it in the long
run to work more efficiently. Walking, light jogging, swimming or cycling for 30
to 40 minutes at least three times per week is recommended.
Heart disease could be silent in the early stage. It may be worthwhile to
undergo routine physical examination and stress test, especially if you are
above 45.
Prudent and healthy lifestyles are important preventive measures. Regular
exercise, keeping optimal body weight, good balanced diet and stress reduction
are important.