The Human Heart: Structure, Function, and Common Issues

Introduction

The heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body, responsible for pumping blood and delivering oxygen and nutrients to all tissues. Understanding its structure, function, and common diseases can help people take better care of their cardiovascular health.

Structure of the Heart

The heart is a muscular organ located in the chest between the lungs. It consists of four main chambers:

• Right atrium – Receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
• Right ventricle – Pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
• Left atrium – Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
• Left ventricle – Pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

These chambers are separated by valves (tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic) that ensure blood flows in the correct direction.

Function of the Heart

The heart functions as a pump that circulates blood throughout the body in two main circuits:

1. Pulmonary circulation – Blood travels to the lungs to receive oxygen.
2. Systemic circulation – Oxygenated blood is distributed to all organs and tissues.

The heart beats approximately 60–100 times per minute in a healthy individual, controlled by electrical impulses from the sinoatrial (SA) node.

Common Heart Diseases

Several conditions can affect the heart’s function, including:

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

• Results from plaque buildup in the arteries, reducing blood flow.
• Can lead to angina (chest pain) or heart attacks.
• Risk factors: high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, diabetes.

2. Heart Failure

• Occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently.
• Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs.
• May be caused by CAD, hypertension, or heart muscle damage.

3. Arrhythmias

• Irregular heartbeats caused by electrical disturbances.
• Common types: atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia.
• Symptoms: palpitations, dizziness, fainting.

4. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

• A leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
• Can damage arteries over time, increasing the risk of heart failure.

How to Keep the Heart Healthy

To maintain good heart health, follow these guidelines:

• Healthy diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
• Routine check-ups: Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.

Conclusion

The heart is a powerful but delicate organ that requires a healthy lifestyle to function properly. Knowing the risks and early signs of heart-related diseases can help people take preventive measures and seek timely medical care.

Source recommendations

1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001309
2. https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
4. https://www.acc.org/
5. https://www.jacc.org/guidelines

2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
5. https://www.portailvasculaire.fr/sites/default/files/docs/2021_esc_guidelines_prevention_cardiovasculaire_ehj.pdf