The heart—a loyal, tireless, and intricate organ—plays a fundamental role in providing your body with nourishment and energy. These things are highly necessary for a healthy existence. Even before your birth, your heart beats in synchronization with your body, functioning with unmatched precision. So for that, Dr Dennis Doan will discuss the main role of your heart in your body.
The Heart’s Central Function: A Pump in Perfect Harmony
Enclosed within the rib cage and nearly the size of your clenched fist, the heart is a muscular organ that strives as a dedicated pump. As the central piece of the circulatory system, its primary function is to distribute oxygen-rich blood and vital nutrients throughout the body. Composed of four chambers—two atria at the top and two ventricles at the bottom—the heart operates in a beautiful rhythm:
• Oxygen-poor blood returns from the body and enters the right atrium.
• This blood then flows into the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs to collect oxygen.
• Simultaneously, oxygen-rich blood from the lungs arrives in the left atrium.
• The oxygen-rich blood flows into the left ventricle before being pumped out strongly. This is done to nourish all corners of your body.
An Impressive Lifelong Body Performance
The heart works tirelessly, constantly adapting to meet the fluctuating demands of your body. During a person’s lifetime, it beats on average 100,000 times per day—adding up to approximately 2.5 billion beats over your entire life. These numbers are truly impressive and are essential in emphasizing the significance of conserving your heart’s vitality Dr Dennis Doan.
The Heart’s Extended Role: Beyond the Pump
• Communicates – The heart generates electrical signals that initiate contractions, driving the pumping action. Electronically coordinating with the entire circulatory system, the heart ensures optimal distribution of blood in a consistent rhythm.
• Produces Hormones – The heart produces a hormone called atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in response to increased blood pressure or blood volume. The hormone’s powerful effects help regulate blood pressure, maintaining fluid balance in the body Dr Dennis Doan.
