The heart is the most hard-working muscle in the body. 24 hours a day, it constantly pumps blood into the blood vessels, which transport oxygen, hormones and nutrients to all cells in our body.

Heartpumps blood to the lungs, where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. The heart itself takes oxygen and nutrients from the blood that reaches it through two coronary arteries and their branches. This process is called gas exchange.

Heart and circulatory system

Without constant blood circulation in the body, we could not live. It is thanks to him that every cell and organ receives oxygen and nutrients that are necessary for their proper functioning. Blood is carried from the heart to the arteries and capillaries, and returns to it through veins and veins. It's a closed system. When it is fit, it provides the owner with excellent condition and well-being. However, if it begins to feel unwell, then a number of complaints arise - from shortness of breath when climbing stairs to severe pain in the chest. The condition of the arteries is the main determinant of the daily rhythmic work of the heart. If they are clogged (overgrown with plaque), the circulatory system, including the heart, does not function properly. In children and he althy young people, arteries have a large cross-section, and their walls are flexible and smooth on the inside. Thanks to this, they contract and relax freely, and the blood flows in an undisturbed rhythm. The heart then works steadily and calmly. Over the years, as a result of the natural aging process of the body, all vessels harden - they are less contractile and elastic. Particles of fat, protein and calcium s alts accumulate on the inner walls. How fast is this process going? It depends on us, whether we are physically active, eat he althy and do not forget to rest. The less he althy behaviors, the worse the heart will be.

Important

The heart beats (contracts and relaxes to pump blood) an average of 70-75 times per minute. In the resting state, this frequency decreases, increases with physical exertion or nervousness. Individual heartbeats can be felt on the surface arteries (especially in the neck and wrists). This is where it is easiest to feel the pulse (or pulse), i.e. cyclical stretching and contracting of the walls of blood vessels caused bythe flow of blood to the rhythm of your heart. Blood pressure is produced by the work of the heart muscle and the expansion and contraction of blood vessels. Its height depends on the force with which the blood presses against the walls of the vessels.

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