5 Interesting Human Heart Facts

People can feel their heart throb whenever they put their hand over the chest, but do they really have any idea about what is going on in there or what keeps the heart ticking like it should? It’s time to understand the heart, better. Here are some very interesting human heart facts that can help to plan a healthier lifestyle.

We have heard a lot about heart health and the risk of heart diseases. But the most basic information regarding the heart’s function and the way it works is equally important. As everyone wishes to plan a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep the heart healthy, knowing some of the interesting heart facts can help in better planning.

1. Heart Functions All The Time

   The heart beats about 100,000 times every day, sending around 2,000 gallons of blood throughout the body. Even though the heart is no bigger than the fist, it has the mighty job of keeping the blood flowing through the 60,000 miles of blood vessels which feed the tissues and organs. This is one of the most interesting human heart facts. Also, important to know is that, any damage to the heart can reduce its pumping power, and make it work harder just to keep up with the body’s demand for blood.
   

2. Heart Attack Symptoms In Males v/s Heart Attack Symptoms In Females

   The heart of men and women are different. For instance, a woman’s heart weighs around 8 ounces, while a man’s heart weighs approximately 10 ounces. However, more than half a million women have heart attack each year. While a woman’s heart is not only smaller in size, but the symptoms of heart troubles in females are also a lot less evident. When having a heart attack, women are more likely to experience symptoms like indigestion, nausea, and shoulder pain rather than the hallmark chest ache. This too is a very interesting human heart fact that everyone must be aware of. Heart disease causes a huge number of fatalities in both men and women. So both the genders should keep their cholesterol level and blood pressure in check, quit smoking and, always remain watchful for the obvious and subtle warning signs of heart problems.

3. Laughter is the Best Heart Medicine

   Health experts throughout the world believe that laughter is the best medicine. A good belly laugh can increase the blood flow in the body by 20%. A study found that people who watch a funny movie tend to experience an increase in their blood flow. It is because of this reason that laughter can just be the perfect antidote for stress. When a person laughs, the lining of their blood vessel walls expand and relax. So, with this interesting human heart fact, having a good giggle now and then can be very useful for keeping the heart in good health.
   

4. Stress and Monday Morning Heart Attack

   People are more likely to have a heart attack on a Monday rather than any other day of the week. Mornings have been long known as the prime time for heart attacks. This is truly one of the most interesting human heart facts. It is possibly because the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol are at their peak during this time. They can cause the cholesterol plaque built up in the arteries to rupture and block the flow of blood to the heart. Additionally, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate due to the stress of returning to work after the weekend, can further contribute to a Monday morning heart attack. Hence, it is extremely important to reduce stress by practicing yoga, meditating, exercising, laughing, or spending more quality time with family and friends.
   

5. Sex Helps The Heart Too!

   Another interesting human heart facts is that a man can reduce his risk of dying from heart disease by 50% by having an active sex life. 3 or 4 orgasms a week can keep a man protected from stroke and heart attack. The link between sex and a woman’s hearts is still unclear. But a healthy love life can do equal wonders for a woman’s health. Sexual activity is not only an excellent stress buster, but is also a great exercise. Around 85 calories are burned in every half-hour session. Ones, who find it difficult to have sex, should understand that something is wrong with their heart. For instance, some researchers believe that erectile dysfunction can indicate a heart attack, up to five years in advance.
   

   With these interesting human heart facts and the heart being one of the most important organs it is necessary to protect it with healthy lifestyle and if necessary, medications. To ensure that the heart is in proper shape, a person needs to keep their complete body in good health. They need to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercise regularly for helping their heart, and other vital organs, work efficiently.