Heart

The human heart, a vital organ located in the thoracic cavity, is essential for sustaining life by ensuring the continuous circulation of blood throughout the body. This guide provides a detailed exploration of the heart’s anatomy, function, associated diseases, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options.

1. Heart Anatomy and Physiology

• Location and Structure: Situated between the lungs in the mediastinal cavity, the heart is a four-chambered organ comprised of the right and left atriums, and right and left ventricles.
• Blood Flow Sequence:
  • Oxygen-poor blood enters the right atrium from the body.
  • Blood moves to the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs via the pulmonary artery.
  • Oxygen-rich blood returns to the left atrium from the lungs.
  • Blood is pumped out to the body through the aorta from the left ventricle.
• Cardiac Cycle: Includes the phases of heart relaxation (diastole) and contraction (systole).
• Electrical Conduction System: Regulates the heart rate and rhythm through the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, and His-Purkinje system.

2. Heart Diseases: Pathology and Types

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Involves the narrowing of coronary arteries due to plaque accumulation.
• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.
• Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation.
• Heart Failure: The heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently.
• Valvular Heart Disease: Involves dysfunction of one or more of the heart valves.

3. Diagnostic Techniques

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity.
• Echocardiogram: Utilizes ultrasound waves to create heart images.
• Cardiac Catheterization: Involves inserting a catheter into the heart via a blood vessel to examine heart function and coronary arteries.
• MRI and CT Scans: Offer detailed images of the heart’s structure and function.
• Stress Testing: Evaluates heart function under physical exertion.

4. Treatment Methods

• Lifestyle Changes: Diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
• Medications:
  • Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin)
  • Beta-blockers (reduce heart rate and workload)
  • ACE inhibitors (lower blood pressure)
  • Statins (reduce cholesterol)
• Surgical Procedures:
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
  • Heart valve repair or replacement
  • Pacemaker or defibrillator implantation
• Innovative Therapies:
  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
  • Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
  • Minimally invasive heart surgery

5. Preventative Measures and Patient Education

• Regular Check-ups: Early detection of heart issues through routine screenings.
• Education on CPR and First Aid: Essential skills for managing heart emergencies.
• Patient Counselling: Importance of medication adherence and lifestyle management.