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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.
