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15 Unit 2: MEDICAL MIRACLE

Facts About Heart

1. Pumping Power : The human heart pumps approximately
70 milliliters of blood per beat, which equates to about 2,500
gallons (9,500 liters) of blood each day.
2. Beats Per Minute : On average, the heart beats about 100,000
times per day, or approximately 36 million times per year.
3. Size Variation : The size of the heart varies with body size.
In general, a person’s heart is about the size of their fist, but
this can differ based on age and health. World Heart Day is
4. Electrical System : The heart has its own electrical system observed annually
that controls the heartbeat. The sinoatrial (SA) node, on September 29 to
often called the heart’s natural pacemaker, initiates each raise awareness about
heartbeat. cardiovascular health
and encourage people
5. Oxygen Supply : The heart has its own blood supply to adopt heart-healthy
through the coronary arteries. These arteries ensure that habits. It was established
the heart muscle receives enough oxygen and nutrients to by the World Heart
function effectively. Federation (WHF) in
6. Heart Muscle : The heart is made up of cardiac muscle, 2000 and has grown
which is unique to the heart. This muscle tissue is highly into a global movement.
resistant to fatigue, allowing the heart to work continuously Cardiovascular diseases
throughout a person’s life. (CVDs), including heart
attacks and strokes, are
7. Heartbeat Variability : The heart rate can vary significantly
based on activity level. For example, during intense exercise, among the leading causes
the heart rate can increase to over 200 beats per minute, of death worldwide, and
while during sleep, it can drop to 40 beats per minute or this day aims to inspire
preventive action.
lower.

8. Heart Sounds : The “lub-dub” sounds of the heartbeat are
caused by the closing of the heart valves. The first sound
(“lub”) is from the closing of the atrioventricular valves,
and the second sound (“dub”) is from the closing of the
semilunar valves.

9. Emotional Impact : Emotional states can affect heart rate.
For instance, feelings of stress or excitement can cause the
heart to beat faster, while relaxation techniques can slow it
down.

10. Heart Transplants : The first successful heart transplant
was performed in 1967 by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in South
Africa. Since then, heart transplants have become a routine
but complex procedure to treat end-stage heart failure.

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