Your Heart: A Guide to the Most Important Muscle in Your Body
Think of your heart as a powerhouse, a tireless engine that works day and night to keep you alive. It’s a fist-sized muscle, but its job is monumental: it pumps nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood to every single cell in your body, from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. This constant, rhythmic beat is the very essence of life, and understanding how to protect it is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health and longevity. It's a truth that transcends age, gender, and geography—your heart is your most valuable asset. Anatomy of an Engine: How Your Heart Works To appreciate the care it needs, it's helpful to understand the basic mechanics of the heart. Your heart has four chambers: two at the top (atria) and two at the bottom (ventricles). It operates as a two-part pump. The Right Side: Oxygen-poor blood, which has circulated through your body, enters the right atrium. It then moves into the right ventricle, which pumps ...