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The heart's electrical activity can be recorded using small electrodes placed on the skin. This test is called an electrocardiogram (ECG). Like a fingerprint, every person's ECG is unique. It records the heart's electrical activity, heartbeat by heartbeat.
Any disturbance in the heart's normal electrical conduction will produce changes on the ECG. Heart rhythm disorders, conduction blocks, a heart attack, or thickening or enlargement of the heart muscle can all produce characteristic ECG abnormalities.
Learn more: Electrocardiogram (ECG)
No. The heart is located almost in the center of the chest, between the two lungs, in an area called the mediastinum. About two-thirds of its mass lies to the left of the body's midline, which is why many people think it is located entirely on the left side.
Learn more: The Heart, from Every Angle
This orientation is related to its position within the chest and the arrangement of the major bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood vessels connected to it. The apex (the tip of the heart) points downward, forward, and to the left.
Learn more: The Heart, from Every Angle
The heart is positioned slightly to the left of the center of the chest. During a heart problem, pain is often felt behind the breastbone (sternum) or on the left side of the chest. It may also spread to the left arm, both arms, the shoulders, the neck, the jaw, or the back.
Learn more: Chest Pain
In adults, the heart is approximately the size of a closed fist. Its size varies depending on a person's body build, sex, and certain heart conditions that can cause it to enlarge.
Learn more: The Heart, from Every Angle.
An adult heart generally weighs between 250 and 350 grams. A man's heart is often slightly heavier than a woman's, mainly because of a larger body size.
Learn more: The Heart, from Every Angle.
Yes. The heart is made primarily of a specialized muscle called the myocardium. Unlike the other muscles in the body, it works continuously, day and night, throughout your entire life.
Learn more: The Heart, from Every Angle.
No. The heart continues to beat continuously throughout life. During sleep, it usually beats more slowly because the body's oxygen needs are lower.
Learn more: The Heart, from Every Angle.
The heart muscle does not become tired like the muscles in your arms or legs. However, certain heart conditions can reduce its ability to pump bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood effectively, leading to heart failure.
Learn more: Arrhythmia-Induced Cardiomyopathy.
Yes. In people who regularly participate in endurance training, the heart may become slightly larger. This is usually a normal adaptation that allows the heart to pump more bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood with each heartbeat.
Learn more: The Athlete's Heart – A Normal Adaptation.
No. The heart is located between the two lungs, but it does not touch them directly. It is surrounded by a protective membrane called the pericardiumThe pericardium is a sac surrounding the heart and containing a lubricating fluid that allows it to glide with each beat without friction., while the lungs are covered by their own membrane, the pleura.
Yes. The heart is enclosed by a membrane called the pericardiumThe pericardium is a sac surrounding the heart and containing a lubricating fluid that allows it to glide with each beat without friction.. It protects the heart, keeps it in place, and allows it to move freely with each heartbeat thanks to a small amount of lubricating fluid.
The sounds of the heart do not come from the heart muscle itself. They are produced mainly by the closing of the heart valves. Using a stethoscope, a healthcare professional can listen to these characteristic heart sounds.
Learn more: Heart Murmur.
A heart murmur is an extra sound heard by a healthcare professional while listening to the heart with a stethoscope. It is caused by turbulent bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood flow within the heart or the major bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood vessels. A heart murmur is not a disease in itself. It may be completely normal (an innocent murmur) or be associated with a heart condition, such as a narrowed or leaking heart valve.
Learn more: Heart Murmur.
Yes. When you lie on your side, your ear is pressed against the pillow. This pressure makes it easier to perceive the pulsations of the small arteries around the ear. Because these pulsations are synchronized with your heartbeat, they can create the impression that you are hearing your heart beating.
In most cases, this is a completely normal phenomenon that disappears when you change position. This sound does not mean that your heart is beating too hard or that it is unhealthy.
At rest, a normal adult heart rate is generally between 60 and 100 beats per minute. It varies depending on age, physical fitness, emotions, medications, and overall health. In people who are in excellent physical condition, especially athletes, a resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute can be completely normal.
Learn more: The Heart's Electrical System.
No. Your heart rate constantly changes to meet your body's needs. It increases during physical activity, stress, or emotional situations, and slows down during rest and sleep.
Learn more: Sinus Tachycardia.
It is normal for the heart to beat faster during physical activity, emotional situations, periods of stress, or after consuming caffeine or other stimulants. This increase in heart rate helps meet the body's increased demands. However, if your heart beats rapidly for no apparent reason, persists for a prolonged period, or is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness or discomfort, you should consult a healthcare professional.
Learn more: Sinus Tachycardia.
A heart valve is a structure that acts like a one-way door. It opens to allow bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood to flow from one chamber to another or into an artery, then closes to prevent bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood from flowing backward. The heart has four valves that work in perfect coordination with each heartbeat.
Learn more: The Heart, from Every Angle
The heart pumps bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood throughout the body, but it also needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. This supply is provided by the coronary arteriesThe two coronary arteries, the right and the left, form the blood network that supplies the heart with oxygen and nutrients. They are located directly on the surface of the heart and branch into smaller vessels that, which nourish the heart muscle. If one of these arteries becomes narrowed or blocked, part of the heart muscle may be deprived of oxygen, leading to a heart attack.
In a resting adult, the heart pumps an average of about 7,000 to 8,000 liters (1,850 to 2,100 gallons) of bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood each day. This amount can increase significantly during physical activity as the heart works harder to meet the body's needs.
Learn more: The Heart, from Every Angle
Yes. On average, a woman's heart is slightly smaller than a man's and tends to beat a little faster. Despite these differences, the heart performs the same functions and pumps bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood just as effectively.
Learn more: The Heart, from Every Angle
The heart is the first organ to become functional during a baby's development. It begins beating about 22 days after fertilization, when the embryo is only a few millimeters long. These first heartbeats establish the bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood circulation needed for the embryo to grow and for its organs to develop.
Learn more: Development of the Cardiovascular System.
During and after physical activity, the heart increases both its rate and the strength of its contractions to deliver more oxygen to the muscles. It is therefore normal to feel your heart beating more forcefully for a few minutes. This sensation usually disappears as your body returns to rest.
Learn more: Sinus Tachycardia.
No. Chest pain can have many different causes. It may come from the muscles or ribs, the lungs, the esophagus or stomach, and can sometimes be associated with stress or anxiety.
However, some chest pain can be caused by a heart problem, particularly when the heart muscle does not receive enough bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood and oxygen.
The way the pain feels, the circumstances in which it occurs, and the symptoms that accompany it can help determine its cause.
Read more: Chest Pain
Not necessarily. The location of the pain alone cannot determine its cause or severity.
Pain originating from the heart may be felt in the center of the chest, on the left side, in the back, in the shoulders, or more diffusely. Conversely, pain located on the left side can have many other causes, including muscle or digestive problems.
The location of the pain is therefore only one of several factors considered during a medical evaluation.
Read more: Chest Pain
Read more: Chest Pain
Yes. Pain that increases with a deep breath can have several causes. It may come from the muscles or ribs, the lungs, or the lining surrounding them.
Certain heart conditions can also cause this type of pain, including inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, known as pericarditis.
The fact that pain changes with breathing does not, by itself, determine its cause.
Read more: Acute Pericarditis
Yes. Stress and anxiety can cause pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest. They may also be accompanied by palpitations"Palpitation" is a symptom related to an abnormality in heartbeats. There are several types of arrhythmias. This term is like a surname that encompasses several first names., faster breathing, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
However, chest pain should not be assumed to be caused by stress or anxiety simply because it occurs during an emotional situation. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
The cause of chest pain must therefore be evaluated in the context of the overall situation.
Chest pain that is new, severe, or unusual, especially if it lasts several minutes or occurs at rest, may require urgent medical attention.
Call 911 if the pain is severe or persistent, or if it is accompanied by significant shortness of breath, heavy sweating, nausea, severe weakness, or loss of consciousness.
When in doubt about concerning chest pain, it is better to call 911 than to go to the emergency department on your own.
Read more: Myocardial Infarction – STEMI
Chest pain that occurs during physical activity should not be ignored, particularly if it is new or repeatedly occurs under similar circumstances.
It is best to stop the activity and rest. Even if the pain goes away, a prompt medical evaluation is recommended to determine its cause.
If it persists despite stopping the activity, becomes severe, or is accompanied by significant shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, severe weakness, or loss of consciousness, call 911.
Read more: Angina
Yes. Normal heart tests are reassuring for the situation that was being evaluated at the time they were performed, but they cannot predict what may happen later.
New chest pain should therefore not be dismissed simply because a previous electrocardiogram, stress test, echocardiogram, or other cardiac test was normal.
Any new symptom should be considered according to the current situation.
Read more: Understanding the Unpredictable
Shortness of breath is the sensation of not getting enough air or having to make a greater effort to breathe. It can occur normally during intense exercise, but it can also be associated with various health problems.
There are many possible causes. They may be cardiac or pulmonary, but shortness of breath can also be related to anemia, an infection, physical deconditioning, excess weight, or anxiety.
When shortness of breath is new, worsening, or occurs with less and less exertion, it should be evaluated to determine the cause.
Read more: Shortness of breath
Some shortness of breath can be normal during physical activity, particularly when climbing several steps quickly. It depends, among other things, on the intensity of the activity, age, and physical condition.
However, it deserves more attention when it is new, more pronounced than before, or occurs with increasingly less demanding activities.
A change in one’s usual ability to exercise is therefore important to consider and may warrant a medical evaluation.
Some people have more difficulty breathing when lying down and need to raise their head with several pillows or even sit up to breathe more easily. This symptom is called orthopnea.
It can occur in people with heart failure. When lying down, more bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood returns to the heart and lungs. If the heart has difficulty handling this additional volume, fluid can build up in the lungs and make breathing more difficult.
Other conditions can also cause shortness of breath when lying down. A recent onset of this symptom or a worsening of it warrants medical evaluation.
Read more: Shortness of Breath
Read more: Heart Failure
Yes. A sudden and unusual sensation of not getting enough air, particularly when it occurs at rest, can be a sign of a serious problem.
There are many possible causes, which may be cardiac, pulmonary, or related to another condition. It is not always possible to determine the cause from the symptom alone.
A significant and sudden lack of air requires calling 911.
A palpitation is the unusual awareness of your own heartbeat. It may feel as though the heart is beating too fast, too forcefully, irregularly, or sometimes seems to “skip a beat.”
Palpitations"Palpitation" is a symptom related to an abnormality in heartbeats. There are several types of arrhythmias. This term is like a surname that encompasses several first names. are common and can occur with a normal heart rhythm as well as with an abnormal rhythm.
It is therefore a sensation that is felt and, by itself, is not a diagnosis.
Read more: Heart Rhythm Disorders
This sensation is often related to an extra beat, also called an extrasystole, which occurs earlier than expected. It is usually followed by a brief pause and then by a beat that may feel stronger.
This sequence can create the impression that the heart stops for a moment, skips a beat, or gives a stronger thump in the chest.
These premature beats are common and often harmless. However, when they are new, very frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms, an evaluation may be necessary.
Read more: Premature Beats: A Medical Perspective
Yes. Stress, caffeine, and alcohol can trigger palpitations"Palpitation" is a symptom related to an abnormality in heartbeats. There are several types of arrhythmias. This term is like a surname that encompasses several first names. in some people. Sensitivity to these factors, however, varies considerably from one person to another.
Lack of sleep, fatigue, dehydration, or certain medications can also make the heartbeat more noticeable.
When these sensations are new, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, an evaluation may be necessary.
Palpitations"Palpitation" is a symptom related to an abnormality in heartbeats. There are several types of arrhythmias. This term is like a surname that encompasses several first names. are often intermittent and may have disappeared by the time of the medical consultation. Collecting some information during an episode can therefore be very helpful.
You can check your pulseThe pulse is the sensation of beating that one feels by applying slight pressure on an artery, usually at the wrist or neck. It corresponds to the blood flow pulsated by the heart through the arteries with to see whether the heartbeat seems regular or irregular and to measure its rate. A bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure monitor can also provide the heart rate in addition to measuring bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure.
Writing down the time, duration, and circumstances in which the episode occurs, as well as any accompanying symptoms, can also help identify the cause.
Finally, if a smartwatch or personal device can record an electrocardiogram (ECG) during the symptoms, saving the recording and showing it to your healthcare professional can help with the diagnosis.
Read more: External Cardiac Monitoring
Fatigue is a subjective symptom: it is a sensation that cannot be seen and may be experienced very differently from one person to another.
It is very common and can have many causes, including lack of sleep, stress, infection, anemia, certain medications, or reduced physical fitness.
The heart does not generally cause fatigue unless it is weakened. One exception is severe mitral valve stenosis, which can cause fatigue even when the heart muscle maintains normal strength.
When this sensation is new, persistent, or unusual, an evaluation may be necessary to determine the cause.
Read more: Fatigue
These terms describe different sensations, but they are often confused.
Vertigo creates the sensation that the room is spinning around you or that you yourself are spinning. It is most often related to the balance system located in the inner ear.
Dizziness is a more difficult sensation to describe: lightheadedness, a feeling of unsteadiness, or the sense that you might lose consciousness, without necessarily fainting.
Syncope is an actual loss of consciousness, usually brief, followed by a spontaneous return to normal.
Distinguishing between these three situations helps the healthcare professional guide the evaluation.
Yes. Dizziness can sometimes occur when the amount of bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood temporarily reaching the brain decreases.
This can happen when bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure drops or when the heart beats too slowly or too quickly, temporarily reducing bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood flow to the brain.
However, dizziness has many other causes, and this symptom alone cannot determine its origin.
Read more: Dizziness
When you stand up, some of the bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood temporarily shifts toward the legs because of gravity. The body must quickly adjust to maintain adequate bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure and ensure sufficient bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood flow to the brain.
If this adjustment occurs too slowly, bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure may temporarily drop and cause dizziness. This is known as orthostatic hypotension.
Dehydration and certain medications can make this more likely to occur.
Read more: Orthostatic syncope
Loss of consciousness occurs when the brain temporarily does not receive enough bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood and oxygen. When it is brief and followed by a spontaneous return to normal, it is called syncope.
There are many possible causes. A significant drop in bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure, a vagal reflex, or certain heart rhythm disorders may be responsible.
A loss of consciousness warrants medical evaluation to determine its cause.
Read more: Syncope
A loss of consciousness, even if brief, warrants medical evaluation to determine its cause, particularly when it is a first episode.
It is helpful to note the circumstances: what the person was doing just before the episode, whether there were any warning symptoms, and approximately how long it lasted. The account of someone who witnessed the event can also provide valuable information.
If the person does not quickly regain consciousness, has been seriously injured in the fall, or is in an unusual state upon awakening, call 911.
The evaluation begins with a detailed description of the circumstances surrounding the loss of consciousness, a physical examination, bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure measurement, and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Depending on the situation, other tests may be suggested, such as heart rhythm monitoring, an echocardiogram, or a stress test. The choice depends on the circumstances of the episode and what the healthcare professional is looking for.
Not all of these tests are therefore necessary for every person who has experienced syncope.
Read more: The Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Read more: External Cardiac Monitoring
