Heart in Simple Language
Dr. Nancy Qusba M.D. is a top Emergency Physician in Downers Grove, IL. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Nancy Qusba M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Nancy Qusba M.D. is... more
There is something about the heart. The heart is a very strong muscle that acts like a pump. It receives blood from the entire body - carries it to the lungs to pick up oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. This purified blood is pumped out from the left side of the heart out to the entire body, supplying all organs with oxygen-rich blood that keeps us alive.
The heart is our protector
It goes through a lot of emotional and physical strain on a daily basis. The heart is used as a symbol to express love and hate, this is the emotional strain. A person can have a heart of gold, a broken or unkind heart, or a heart with a lack of passion. Many times we use the term purple heart to represent honor, respect, sacrifice and forgiveness. A heavy heart is used to describe the feeling of missing someone deeply.
Physical strain comes from abnormal conditions of the heart:
1. The blood supply to the heart - blocked or narrow arteries in the heart.
2. Abnormal heart valves - valves of the heart could be narrow or incompetent.
3. Abnormal heart rate and rhythm - the heart rate may be too slow or too fast; it may be irregular and disorganized.
4. Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) - a term used for disease of the heart muscle. You need to watch out for early signs of heart disease.
5. Pain in the chest (angina) - the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygenated blood to keep it going.
6. Trouble breathing - blood may back up from a diseased heart into the lungs and become filled.
7. Heart palpitations - a feeling that the heart is beating too fast, too hard, or your heartbeat is irregular.
8. Swelling of the feet or legs - blood is backing up from the heart into the lower body.
9. Feeling weak and body fatigue - because the body and brain are not getting enough oxygenated blood supply.
How to protect your heart
1. Limit bad fat: Eat less saturated fat. You can "reduce your risk of heart issues by half."
2. Cut out the salt: Cook without salt, limit processed foods, and go easy on the salt shaker.
3. Go for grains: Whole grains help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and may help prevent type 2 diabetes.
4. Stay at a healthy weight.
5. Quit smoking and stay away from second hand smoke.
6. Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
7. Drink alcohol only in moderation.
8. Get a thorough check up.
9. Basic work up with lipids, blood sugar and EKG.
10. Calcium coronary scan if indicated.
If the heart suddenly stops beating, it will stop oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain and other organs. Brain cells begin dying out with the possibility of serious damage to the brain in 3 to 5 minutes and in 10 minutes, a large number of brain cells are dead. In 15 minutes, the brain is practically dead, and if it is not attended to death is imminent.
