Heart
Anemia – an overview
About the Human heart
The human heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body as it maintains life. The heart supplies oxygen rich blood to billions of cells that form the body. It is situated between the lungs, to the left of the centre of the thorax covered by bones and muscles.
The average human heart will approximately beat 2.5 billion times during an average lifespan, with an average of 72 beats per minute. The human heart weighs around 250g to 300g in females and 300g to 350g in males.
The heart is divided by the septum which is a wall of muscle. The heart valves are very fine, supple, translucent membranes separating the atria from the ventricles. The valves works like a tap and ensure that blood flows from the atria to the ventricles and prevent any kind of leakage when they are closed. The opening of heart valve causes the blood to be pumped throughout the body and deoxygenated blood to be pumped to the lungs. The heart is enclosed by a sac known as pericardium and it is fed by coronary circulation.
The heart is a network of cardiac muscle cells interconnected by contiguous cytoplasmic bridges. The sinoatrial node (SA) sets the rate and timing at which all the cardiac muscle cells contract and generates electrical impulses, much like those produced by nerve cells. These impulses are passed to another region of the specialized cardiac muscle tissue called atrioventricular (AV) node which acts as a relay point. Here the impulses are delayed to ensure that atria empty completely before the ventricles contract.
Reduction of oxygen to the muscle of the heart causes the pain of angina pectoris and it often comes with increased emotion, cold weather, or following a heavy meal.
Heart attack is another major problem and requires prompt treatment. This problem is caused either by breaking of atherosclerosis plaque or is dislodged from the wall of a vessel supplying blood to the heart and is suddenly obstructed. The blood clot can also form on the site of plaque of atherosclerosis in a coronary artery, preventing blood reaching the heart. Due to this the heart muscles are no longer oxygenated and they start to die and are replaced by scar tissue. The heart cannot pump blood efficiently if large areas of heart muscle are replaced by scar tissue.
Heart/ Cardiovascular Conditions
Cardiac arrest is the single largest cause of more than 140,000 deaths every year in the UK, around 400,000 in Europe, and an astounding 500,000 in the United States.
There many types of cardiovascular complications such as atherosclerosis, coronary, rheumatic, congenital, myocarditis, angina, and arrhythmia. Narrowing of coronary arteries, high blood pressure, infection and congenital defects are also some of the major heart complications. Heart disease is a term used for variety of heart related problems. Coronary heart disease is caused due to accumulation of atheromatous plaque within the walls of arteries that supply fresh oxygenated blood to the heart. Cardiomyopathy is the deterioration of the function of myocardium. This cardiovascular disease affects the heart itself or the blood vessel system. Heart failure is known as the structural or functional disorder of heart that impairs the ability of heart to pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body leading to the heart and body’s complete failure.
Cardiac arrest, heart fractures and cardiac insufficiency are all consequences of the death of part of the heart muscle.
Due to Oedemas and swelling of the legs, the right side of the heart has difficulty in drawing venous blood, which stagnates in the vein. Due to infraction, the left ventricle wall bears a thin fibrous scar, which expands like a balloon outside the heart and may burst as a result of pressure causing cardiac rupture – a rare cause of death.
About the Human heart
The human heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body as it maintains life. The heart supplies oxygen rich blood to billions of cells that form the body. It is situated between the lungs, to the left of the centre of the thorax covered by bones and muscles.
The average human heart will approximately beat 2.5 billion times during an average lifespan, with an average of 72 beats per minute. The human heart weighs around 250g to 300g in females and 300g to 350g in males.
The heart is divided by the septum which is a wall of muscle. The heart valves are very fine, supple, translucent membranes separating the atria from the ventricles. The valves works like a tap and ensure that blood flows from the atria to the ventricles and prevent any kind of leakage when they are closed. The opening of heart valve causes the blood to be pumped throughout the body and deoxygenated blood to be pumped to the lungs. The heart is enclosed by a sac known as pericardium and it is fed by coronary circulation.
The heart is a network of cardiac muscle cells interconnected by contiguous cytoplasmic bridges. The sinoatrial node (SA) sets the rate and timing at which all the cardiac muscle cells contract and generates electrical impulses, much like those produced by nerve cells. These impulses are passed to another region of the specialized cardiac muscle tissue called atrioventricular (AV) node which acts as a relay point. Here the impulses are delayed to ensure that atria empty completely before the ventricles contract.
Reduction of oxygen to the muscle of the heart causes the pain of angina pectoris and it often comes with increased emotion, cold weather, or following a heavy meal.
Heart attack is another major problem and requires prompt treatment. This problem is caused either by breaking of atherosclerosis plaque or is dislodged from the wall of a vessel supplying blood to the heart and is suddenly obstructed. The blood clot can also form on the site of plaque of atherosclerosis in a coronary artery, preventing blood reaching the heart. Due to this the heart muscles are no longer oxygenated and they start to die and are replaced by scar tissue. The heart cannot pump blood efficiently if large areas of heart muscle are replaced by scar tissue.
Heart/ Cardiovascular Conditions
Cardiac arrest is the single largest cause of more than 140,000 deaths every year in the UK, around 400,000 in Europe, and an astounding 500,000 in the United States.
There many types of cardiovascular complications such as atherosclerosis, coronary, rheumatic, congenital, myocarditis, angina, and arrhythmia. Narrowing of coronary arteries, high blood pressure, infection and congenital defects are also some of the major heart complications. Heart disease is a term used for variety of heart related problems. Coronary heart disease is caused due to accumulation of atheromatous plaque within the walls of arteries that supply fresh oxygenated blood to the heart. Cardiomyopathy is the deterioration of the function of myocardium. This cardiovascular disease affects the heart itself or the blood vessel system. Heart failure is known as the structural or functional disorder of heart that impairs the ability of heart to pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body leading to the heart and body’s complete failure.
Cardiac arrest, heart fractures and cardiac insufficiency are all consequences of the death of part of the heart muscle.
Due to Oedemas and swelling of the legs, the right side of the heart has difficulty in drawing venous blood, which stagnates in the vein. Due to infraction, the left ventricle wall bears a thin fibrous scar, which expands like a balloon outside the heart and may burst as a result of pressure causing cardiac rupture – a rare cause of death.
Factors responsible for Cardiac disorders
Several studies have indicated that high consumption of alcohol is the root cause of chronic heart muscle disease leading to cardiac insufficiency and many problems beyond the heart.
Studies also report that smoking increases the risk of heart attack or angina pectoris by 70%.
Stress, whether physical or emotional, increases the heart’s workload, making it beat faster than normal, raising blood pressure. All this results in the heart needing more oxygen and if the coronary arteries are blocked, this request cannot be met, leading to Angina pectoris or a heart attack.
Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia are the factor which leads to increase chances of having cardiac arrest. High cholesterol levels also cause the coronary arteries to narrow due to accumulation of plaque on the walls of the arteries. The arteries are also completely blocked due to high level of cholesterol.
Researchers have detected number of micro-organism that may be responsible for heart diseases. Inflammation in the coronary arteries caused due to Helicobacter pylori bacteria can lead to atherosclerosis. High levels of fibrogen and lipoprotein A encourage the formation of blood clots and are responsible for heart attack and formation of atheroma plaque. Higher homocysteine levels increase the chances of heart attack by three times.
A better way to healthy heart
Physical activity is important for reducing blood pressure and releasing pent-up energy. Physical activity and regular and moderate exercise improves blood circulation, including blood supply to the heart, reducing the risk of heart attack. Having a regular exercise regimen increases energy, reduces stress and strengthens the bones. It gives a feeling of wellbeing by producing endorphins, which is a type of natural morphine synthesized in the body.
Fats or lipids are vital for a balanced diet but they should be present in moderate levels. Saturated fat or cholesterol-rich foods increase the LDL (Low-density lipoprotein, is often termed as bad cholesterol as it can cause cardiovascular problems) levels, which is deposited on the artery walls and can cause atherosclerosis. In contrast, Cholesterol contained in HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) particles is considered beneficial in avoiding heart problems.
A healthy, well balanced, nutritious diet is one of the keys towards maintaining a healthy heart. Fruits and minerals rich in vitamins and low calories and fat should be included in the daily dietary intake. They help protect against heart conditions and also from some cancers (especially of colon). Cholesterol levels can be maintained by including soluble fibers such as cereals, beans, peas, lentils, citrus fruits, strawberries and apples. Insoluble fibers do not change cholesterol levels, but aid digestion. Whole meal bread, cauliflower, beetroot, prunes are classic examples of insoluble fibers. People suffering from high blood pressure should follow a low salt diet as increased salt intake pushes blood pressure higher and puts a greater strain on the heart.
Antioxidant molecules generally reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes and are widely used in dietary supplements to maintain good health. Anti-oxidants are also beneficial in preventing diseases such as cancer and coronary heart diseases. Vitamin E, selenium, carotene and gingko biloba prevent oxidation and are useful deterrents against atherosclerosis. Low levels of potassium or magnesium can cause serious heart disorders. Including bananas in the regular diet can prevent these mineral deficiencies, helping maintain a healthy regular heart beat.
Omega 3 fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining cholesterol and triglycerides levels, prevent blood platelet stimulation helping regulate high blood pressure. Olive oil is a mono-unsaturated fatty acid that helps diminish bad cholesterol.
Apart from physical exercise and healthy diet, mental well being is also important for a healthy heart. Meditation and relaxation techniques can calm the mind and soothe the senses. These techniques work well to overcome stress, which is one of the major factors that cause cardiac arrest.
Several studies have indicated that high consumption of alcohol is the root cause of chronic heart muscle disease leading to cardiac insufficiency and many problems beyond the heart.
Studies also report that smoking increases the risk of heart attack or angina pectoris by 70%.
Stress, whether physical or emotional, increases the heart’s workload, making it beat faster than normal, raising blood pressure. All this results in the heart needing more oxygen and if the coronary arteries are blocked, this request cannot be met, leading to Angina pectoris or a heart attack.
Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia are the factor which leads to increase chances of having cardiac arrest. High cholesterol levels also cause the coronary arteries to narrow due to accumulation of plaque on the walls of the arteries. The arteries are also completely blocked due to high level of cholesterol.
Researchers have detected number of micro-organism that may be responsible for heart diseases. Inflammation in the coronary arteries caused due to Helicobacter pylori bacteria can lead to atherosclerosis. High levels of fibrogen and lipoprotein A encourage the formation of blood clots and are responsible for heart attack and formation of atheroma plaque. Higher homocysteine levels increase the chances of heart attack by three times.
A better way to healthy heart
Physical activity is important for reducing blood pressure and releasing pent-up energy. Physical activity and regular and moderate exercise improves blood circulation, including blood supply to the heart, reducing the risk of heart attack. Having a regular exercise regimen increases energy, reduces stress and strengthens the bones. It gives a feeling of wellbeing by producing endorphins, which is a type of natural morphine synthesized in the body.
Fats or lipids are vital for a balanced diet but they should be present in moderate levels. Saturated fat or cholesterol-rich foods increase the LDL (Low-density lipoprotein, is often termed as bad cholesterol as it can cause cardiovascular problems) levels, which is deposited on the artery walls and can cause atherosclerosis. In contrast, Cholesterol contained in HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) particles is considered beneficial in avoiding heart problems.
A healthy, well balanced, nutritious diet is one of the keys towards maintaining a healthy heart. Fruits and minerals rich in vitamins and low calories and fat should be included in the daily dietary intake. They help protect against heart conditions and also from some cancers (especially of colon). Cholesterol levels can be maintained by including soluble fibers such as cereals, beans, peas, lentils, citrus fruits, strawberries and apples. Insoluble fibers do not change cholesterol levels, but aid digestion. Whole meal bread, cauliflower, beetroot, prunes are classic examples of insoluble fibers. People suffering from high blood pressure should follow a low salt diet as increased salt intake pushes blood pressure higher and puts a greater strain on the heart.
Antioxidant molecules generally reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes and are widely used in dietary supplements to maintain good health. Anti-oxidants are also beneficial in preventing diseases such as cancer and coronary heart diseases. Vitamin E, selenium, carotene and gingko biloba prevent oxidation and are useful deterrents against atherosclerosis. Low levels of potassium or magnesium can cause serious heart disorders. Including bananas in the regular diet can prevent these mineral deficiencies, helping maintain a healthy regular heart beat.
Omega 3 fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining cholesterol and triglycerides levels, prevent blood platelet stimulation helping regulate high blood pressure. Olive oil is a mono-unsaturated fatty acid that helps diminish bad cholesterol.
Apart from physical exercise and healthy diet, mental well being is also important for a healthy heart. Meditation and relaxation techniques can calm the mind and soothe the senses. These techniques work well to overcome stress, which is one of the major factors that cause cardiac arrest.
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