Your heart is a pump that is responsible for delivering blood to all parts of your body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to nourish the cells, and veins transport oxygen-poor blood on its way back to the heart and lungs. This animation shows how the heart and circulatory system work.
Most U.S. adults have a heart age greater than their actual age, placing them at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Watch this short video to learn why your heart age is important and what you can do to improve it.
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout your body. It is positioned behind the lungs, slightly to the left side of the chest. Your heart is a bit larger than the size of your fist. Let's examine the structures of the heart and learn how blood travels through this complex organ.
Your heart is the muscular powerhouse that beats day and night to pump blood through your body. Let's take a moment to learn more about this vital organ.
Your heart is your body's engine. Keeping it healthy allows you to maintain a good quality of life. Let's look at some ways you can do this naturally.
A helpful guide to how your heart's electrical system works, complete with a diagram.
Learn how the heart works.
Coronary artery spasm is a type of angina. Angina is pain that is caused by the heart muscles not getting enough blood. A sudden spasm or narrowing of a blood vessel that supplies the heart causes angina by reducing the amount of oxygen the heart receives. Coronary artery spasms often cause pain. Sometimes severe spasms can lead to irregular heartbeats. They can even cause heart attack, also known as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and sudden death.
The pericardium is the thin, sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart. Inflammation of this tissue is called pericarditis. The condition may be mild and last only a few days. Or it may be more severe and lead to serious complications.
Nonstop flow of blood from the heart to the body and back to the heart again is called circulation. Blood vessels are hollow muscular tubes that carry blood throughout your body, much like pipes circulate water in your home.
Coronary artery disease can affect arteries throughout your body. Learn what's at risk.
A heart murmur is an extra noise heard during a heartbeat. The noise is caused when blood does not flow smoothly through the heart.
Watch this video to learn how to do hands-only CPR on a teen or adult.
Watch this to learn how to perform hands-only CPR and other life saving steps for someone who is found not breathing.
Watch this video to learn what an Automated External Defibrillator or AED is, how it works, and when it should be used to help save a life.
Watch this to know what an external defibrillator is and how it is used as a life-saving medical device.
Watch this video to learn the basics of child CPR.
This is when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood. When blood doesn't move through your body, your brain and other organs don't get the nourishment they need. You lose consciousness. You may stop breathing. This can lead to death within minutes.
Refresh your skills in CPR for children ages 1 to 8. Here are the steps to know, including how to use an automated external defibrillator.
If a baby is not breathing, tap their foot and call their name. Call for help and begin chest pushes fast and hard. Give gentle breaths and repeat. Keep going until help comes or the baby starts to breathe.
Learn what the word "Cardiomyopathy" means.
Watch this to learn what the ventricular septum is.
Watch this to learn what Septal Myectomy means.
This is a check-up your doctor does before you have surgery. It's a way to see how well your heart is working. It helps make sure your heart is healthy enough for the procedure. Let's take a moment to learn more.
Robotic cardiac surgery is a less invasive form of heart surgery. It's done using very small incisions in the chest, tiny tools, and a robotic device operated by a surgeon. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.
A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in care of the heart and blood vessels. They treat a wide range of conditions. They also help you lower your risk for disease.
