Basic Anatomy of the Human Heart

Your heart works hard, beating more than 100,000 times every day. It keeps your body alive by pumping oxygen-rich blood to every organ, tissue, and cell. But how much do you really know about it? At Capitol Cardiology Associates, we know that understanding how your heart works is the first step in maintaining lifelong heart health. If you’re curious about how your heart works or want to take better care of it, keep reading for insights that can help.

What the Heart Does

A lot of people think that the heart is nothing more than a mechanical pump. However, this muscular organ is responsible for circling blood throughout the entire body so that oxygen and nutrients can reach every cell, where it can remove waste products like carbon dioxide. If a heart isn’t doing its job, then the body’s tissues and organs won’t be getting the support they need to function well. The heart also regulates blood pressure, so whether you’re resting or running, the heart will adjust its rhythm to meet your needs. Regular check-ins with a heart doctor will help keep the heart in good shape so it can continue to keep you healthy.

A Tour of the Heart’s Four Chambers

Consider for a moment that your heart is like a house with four rooms. Each area serves a different function and keeps your blood moving as efficiently as possible. Here’s how it works:

Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from your body through the veins.
Right Ventricle: Pumps oxygen-poor blood into the lungs where it can receive fresh oxygen.
Left Atrium: Collects newly oxygenated blood from the lungs.
Left Ventricle: Pumps the oxygen-rich blood back out to the body through the aorta.

The Pathways That Keep Blood Moving

Now, you can see how important the pathways that carry the blood around your body are. These pathways include three types of blood vessels:

The Heart’s Built-In Electrical System

Hearts don’t beat randomly. They follow a rhythm that’s controlled by an internal electrical system that tells the heart to contract and relax in a way that keeps blood moving efficiently. Here are the main components of the heart’s electrical system:

Sinoatrial Node: Generates electrical signals that help regulate the heartbeat.
Atrioventricular Node: Slows down signals before they reach the ventricles to keep a steady rhythm.
Bundle of His & Purkinje Fibers: Conducts impulses throughout the ventricles to cause them to push blood out of the heart.

When this system is working well, you’ll have a steady and strong heartbeat. However, if this is disrupted, irregular heart rhythms can occur that a cardiologist in Laruel, MD can help diagnose and treat.

Protecting Your Heart Health

Heart disease is a leading cause of death around the world. However, many cardiovascular conditions are preventable if managed by lifestyle choices and reliable access to medical care. Here are some steps you can take to keep your heart as healthy as possible:

Monitor Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: High blood pressure and cholesterol levels can increase the development of heart disease.
Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Include fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein for a diet that supports your heart.
Stay Active: Exercise will help strengthen the heart and improve your circulation.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Drinking: Alcohol and cigarettes can damage blood vessels and increase blood pressure.
Schedule Checkups: Routine checkups with a heart doctor in Bowie, MD will detect problems early so you can receive quality treatment and prevent issues from becoming worse.

Do You Need a Local Cardiologist?

Are you worried about your heart health? Call Capitol Cardiology Associates today. We offer professional cardiovascular treatment services to fit your needs. With our advanced diagnostics and treatment plans, you can keep your heart in great condition. Contact us to schedule your next appointment.

Review of Exceptional Healthcare Services

Jose Mendoza

My experience with the Capitol Cardiology Associates office was outstanding. From the time I initially talked to Dr Shetty on the phone to the moment I checked out. I had a very pleasant encounter with the front desk personnel. The staff is kind, gentle and informative. Pamela was very efficient, skilled and smart. Took time to explain the procedure and broke it down in easy terms. I recommend this group with no reservations to whoever needs a cardiologist.

Bobbie Shockley

Even the office was excited busy, the staff remains super courteous and respectful. Dr. Shetty and his students were kind and efficient. Check out is a breeze. Those with disabilities were treated with great respect. I feel well cared for here at Capitol Cardiology.

Isatu Sesay

Dr Raj Shetty. I wanted to thank you so so much, my blood pressure is normal now praise God.All because of you, my physician cannot get it in control then he Reffered me to you. I thank God and you because it’s all in control now. May God continue to bless your hand , you are so patient.

Jeanette McQueen

I had an excellent experience at Capitol Cardiology Associates. From the moment I walked into the suite everyone was friendly and courteous. When I was taken in the back the Medical Assistant was very professional and made me feel comfortable. My Cardiologist, Dr. Venugopal, had an excellent bedside manner and reassured me that all was okay. The checkout receptionist was very helpful as well. She made sure I had all the documents I needed and provided a copy to my primary care physician. Well done guys!??

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Basic Anatomy of the Human Heart

What the Heart Does

A Tour of the Heart’s Four Chambers

The Pathways That Keep Blood Moving

Recent Posts

The Heart’s Built-In Electrical System

Protecting Your Heart Health

Do You Need a Local Cardiologist?

Review of Exceptional Healthcare Services

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