Heart Health: Understanding How Your Heart Works and How to Protect It

How Your Heart Functions

Your heart is located slightly to the left of your chest and is about the size of your fist. It works as a pump, moving blood through your body. It’s made up of four chambers:

• Right Atrium: Receives oxygen-poor blood from the body.
• Right Ventricle: Pumps this blood to the lungs for oxygen.
• Left Atrium: Collects oxygen-rich blood from the lungs.
• Left Ventricle: Pumps the oxygenated blood out to the rest of your body.

Each chamber has a specific job, and they work together to ensure blood flows efficiently. This constant movement of blood is what keeps your body nourished and your organs functioning properly.

The Circulatory System: A Lifeline

Your heart works hand in hand with the circulatory system, which is like a vast network of roads for blood. The heart pumps blood through these vessels, delivering oxygen and nutrients where they’re needed and carrying away waste products.

1. Pulmonary Circulation: This is the part of the journey where blood is sent to the lungs to pick up oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide.
2. Systemic Circulation: Once the blood is oxygenated, it’s pumped to the rest of your body. Your heart ensures that every tissue and organ gets the oxygen it needs.

This continuous process is vital. Any disruption in blood flow can lead to serious health issues, which is why keeping your heart healthy is so important.

What Makes Your Heart Beat?

Your heart doesn’t beat randomly; it follows a rhythm set by its own electrical system. The heart’s pacemaker, the sinoatrial node (SA node), sends out signals that trigger the heart’s chambers to contract and relax.

Here’s how it happens:

1. The SA node sends an electrical impulse that causes the atria to contract and push blood into the ventricles.
2. The signal reaches the atrioventricular node (AV node), where it’s delayed briefly to allow the ventricles to fill up with blood.
3. The signal then moves through the Purkinje fibres, which make the ventricles contract, pumping blood to the lungs and body.

This regular, steady rhythm is essential for efficient blood flow. If the rhythm becomes irregular or stops altogether, it can lead to serious conditions like cardiac arrest, which is why devices like defibrillators are so crucial in emergencies.

View our range of defibrillators here.

Supporting Your Heart’s Health

Your heart is strong, but like any part of your body, it needs care. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, but many heart problems are preventable through healthy habits. At Defib Supplies, we understand that prevention is the key to long-term heart health.

Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your heart:

• Stay Active: Regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, strengthens your heart and improves circulation. For some great tips on staying active, visit the NHS exercise guidelines.
• Eat Well: A balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, both of which are essential for heart health.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect your heart. Taking time to relax and unwind can have long-term benefits for your cardiovascular system.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and forces your heart to work harder. If you smoke, consider seeking support to quit through the NHS SmokeFree program.
• Know the Warning Signs: Chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness can all be signs of a heart attack. Knowing these symptoms and acting quickly can save lives. For information on how to respond in an emergency, check out our resources.

The Importance of Defibrillators

If someone’s heart stops suddenly, every second counts. In these critical moments, a defibrillator can restart the heart and give the person a second chance at life. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, and that’s why it’s essential to have defibrillators readily available in public spaces and workplaces.

At Defib Supplies, we provide reliable, easy-to-use defibrillators designed to help bystanders act quickly in emergencies. You can learn more about why having a defibrillator in your community matters here.

Taking Care of Your Heart

Your heart works non-stop for you, and it’s up to you to give it the care it deserves. Small, everyday changes can make a significant impact on your long-term heart health. By staying active, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress, you’re investing in a healthier future for yourself and those around you.

At Defib Supplies, we’re here to help you every step of the way—whether through providing life-saving equipment or offering advice on heart health. Together, we can make sure more people live long, healthy lives with strong hearts.

Relevant external resources:

• NHS

Stay informed, stay heart-healthy, and know that we’re here for you at Defib Supplies.