![The work of the heart and its disorders. What are the most common heart diseases? [WE EXPLAIN]](https://healthy-food-near-me.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/the-work-of-the-heart-and-its-disorders-what-are-the-most-common-heart-diseases-we-explain-682x425.jpg)
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
The work of the heart is a complex process that continues throughout a person’s life. The heart muscle works like a pump that distributes blood to all cells in the body. Its contraction is triggered by an electrical impulse. We indicate the most important elements of the heart structure and diseases that disrupt its work.
Location, functions and structure of the heart
The human heart is located in the mediastinum, which is the space between the right and left lungs. It occupies the middle part of the lower mediastinum, and 75 percent of this organ lies on the left side of the chest, in the so-called cardiac notch of the left lung. The protective barrier for the heart is the sternum, costal cartilage and ribs.
The heart is the most important element of the circulatory system, pumping and transporting blood. It consists of transversely striated muscle tissue and is surrounded pericardium, i.e. a double membrane (serous and fibrous), which protects against excessive expansion of the heart and damage to its structures. In cross section of the wall of the heart there are three layers of epithelium: endocardium, endocardium and epicardium. Included in the mid-cardiac heart muscle.
The shape of the heart resembles a flattened cone. It is made of four cavities:
- right ventricle,
- left ventricle,
- right atrium,
- left atrium.
At the exit of each of the I am heart there is a valve. All four heart valves (mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and pulmonary valve) prevent blood from flowing back and ensure proper (unidirectional) circulation.
Blood flow through the heart it starts from the left atrium. There is oxygen-containing blood flowing from the lungs through the pulmonary veins. Blood from the left atrium is transported to left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps it into the aorta, from where it is distributed throughout the body. During this time, blood from the body (without oxygen) flows through the vena cava into the right atrium. It goes into the right ventricle, which pumps blood to the pulmonary artery. Through it, it flows to the lungs to again receive a fresh portion of oxygen carried by hemoglobin.
Blood flow does not happen automatically – it is driven contractions of the heart muscle triggered by electrical impulses. The role of the pacemaker is played by the sinoatrial node located in the upper part of the right atrium. It is built by cells capable of spontaneous discharges. Each of these discharges starts another heart rate cycle. The sinoatrial node is responsible for the rhythmicity of the contractions of the heart muscle.
Check how Levonor works – a drug whose active ingredient is norepinephrine
Heart and circulatory system diseases
Heart diseases lead to disturbances in the functioning of the entire circulatory system. Their risk increases with age. They arise as a result of an overly fatty diet, obesity, excessive stress, smoking, lack of physical activity or genetic predisposition. Heart and circulatory system diseases are the greatest threats to life. In Poland, they are the main cause of death.
Diseases directly affecting the heart include:
- ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease),
- heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia, tachycardia, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation),
- heart failure (acute, chronic),
- atrioventricular conduction block,
- myocarditis,
- pericarditis or endocarditis,
- valvular defects,
- cardiac neurosis.
Do you want to support the cardiovascular system? You can order a cardiovascular supplement with Antarctic Krill Oil in capsule form. The offer is available in Medonet Market.
These diseases usually result from hypoxia of myocardial cells, infection (viral or bacterial), as well as overload of the heart, its damage, abnormal structure or loss of function.
Diseases such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis and arterial obstruction are also very dangerous for the heart. They can lead to myocardial infarction. A heart attack is sudden in death in 25 percent of cases. Help should be provided to the patient within 120 minutes of the heart attack.
Find out what is characterized by a prolapse of the mitral heart valve
Moreover, the work of the heart is seriously disrupted by the high blood pressure it causes myocardial hypertrophy, accelerated development of atherosclerosis, and even aneurysm and aortic dissection. It can also cause a stroke. Hypertension is most often associated with elevated blood cholesterol levels.
Begin to nourish your heart properly. Order Ubiquinol 100mg – Doctor Life dietary supplement.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.