Your Heart: Powerhouse of the Body

Overview

• The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
• It is the main organ of the circulatory system.
• Composed of muscle and tissue, it constantly supplies oxygen and removes waste.

Anatomy

• Heart Chambers:
  • Right Atrium, Right Ventricle, Left Atrium, Left Ventricle.
  • Right side handles deoxygenated blood, left side handles oxygenated blood.
• Heart Walls:
  • Three layers: Endocardium (inner), Myocardium (muscular middle), Epicardium (outer protective).
• Valves:
  • Atrioventricular (AV) Valves: Tricuspid (right) and Mitral (left).
  • Semilunar (SL) Valves: Pulmonary (right) and Aortic (left).
• Blood Vessels:
  • Arteries (carry oxygen-rich blood), Veins (carry oxygen-poor blood), Capillaries (exchange point).
  • Coronary arteries supply the heart muscle itself.
• Electrical System:
  • SA Node, AV Node, Bundle of His, Purkinje Fibers control heart rhythm.

Function

• Pumps blood to distribute oxygen and nutrients.
• Removes carbon dioxide and waste.
• Controls heart rate and blood pressure.
• Works with the nervous and endocrine systems for regulation.

Common Conditions and Disorders

• Arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeat.
• Cardiomyopathy: Abnormal heart muscle.
• Heart Failure: Inability to pump effectively.
• Coronary Artery Disease: Plaque in arteries.
• Heart Attack: Blockage reducing oxygen supply.
• Valve Diseases: Improper valve functioning.
• High blood pressure and cholesterol.

Symptoms of Heart Conditions

• Chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, lower body swelling.

Tests and Treatments

• Tests: Blood pressure measurement, EKG, Echocardiogram, Chest X-ray, Blood tests, Cardiac catheterization, CT, MRI, Stress test.
• Treatments: Medications, lifestyle changes, medical devices, procedures (e.g., angioplasty), surgeries (e.g., bypass, valve replacement).

Maintaining Heart Health

• Follow treatment plans for existing conditions.
• Lifestyle changes: healthy weight, diet, physical activity, stress management, smoking cessation.

Questions for Healthcare Providers

• Family history impact, blood pressure management, cholesterol levels, signs of heart attack, heart-healthy diet advice.

Summary

• The heart is crucial for sustaining life by pumping blood and maintaining oxygen and nutrient supply.
• Common heart conditions can be managed or prevented with medical support and lifestyle adjustments.
• Cleveland Clinic provides comprehensive care for cardiovascular health.