The heart is the organ in charge of pumping blood throughout the body to supply oxygen, so that all organs function normally. If you don't get oxygen, your body tissue will be damaged and die. Let's understand how the heart works in pumping blood, as well as any diseases that can interfere with the workings of this organ.
The heart works endlessly to support the circulatory system. In addition to the heart as the center, this system also consists of a network of blood vessels, such as arteries (arteries), veins (veins), and capillaries.
Recognize How the Heart Works
There are four heart chambers involved in the work of the heart to pump blood to and from the rest of the body. The four chambers of the heart are the right and left atrium (the heart of the heart) at the top of the heart, and the right and left ventricles (chambers of the heart) at the bottom of the heart.
The right atrium of the heart receives dirty blood or which contains little oxygen (because it binds to carbon dioxide) from the body, then this dirty blood is delivered to the right chamber. Then by the right chamber, dirty blood will be pumped into the lungs to exchange carbon dioxide with oxygen.
After this exchange occurs, oxygen-filled blood will be pumped into the left atrium, then proceed to the left ventricle of the heart to flow throughout the body through large blood vessels (aorta).
The four heart chambers are separated by a heart divider, and are equipped with four valves. The function of the heart valve in helping the heart work is to regulate the direction of blood flow, so that blood does not flow back to the previous room. The four valves are:
- Tricuspid valve, which is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart.
- Pulmonary valve, which is located between the heart and blood vessels to the lungs.
- Mitral valve, which is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart.
- Aortic valve, which is located between the heart and large blood vessels to the entire body.
Heart Work Disorders
Disorders of the heart can appear in any part of the heart, from the heart muscle walls, heart valves, to the heart's electrical conductivity which causes abnormal heart rhythms. Any interference with the heart can affect the way the heart works in pumping blood.
Disorders can also occur in coronary arteries, which are blood vessels that provide blood and oxygen intake to the heart muscle. Coronary blood vessels can be blocked by plaque, so that blood flow to the heart muscle is obstructed. This condition is called atherosclerosis.
Blockage in coronary arteries will eventually lead to heart disease, if the heart muscle has experienced a lack of oxygen. When the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of the heart is completely obstructed, a heart attack will occur. Symptoms include chest pain such as suppressed, and spread to the neck, jaw, or arms, cold sweat, shortness of breath, and weakness.
In order to maintain heart work and minimize the risk of heart problems, you are advised to exercise regularly, eat healthy and nutritious foods, reduce salt consumption, maintain ideal body weight, control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, get enough sleep, not smoke, and limit drinking alcoholic beverages.
You are also advised to do a routine check-up with a heart doctor, especially if you feel any symptoms of heart problems, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs.
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