Where is the heart located?
In the chest, between the lungs, slightly left of the breastbone, inside a protective sac called the pericardium.
What does the heart do?
- Pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body
- Sends oxygen-poor blood to the lungs
- Maintains blood pressure
- Generates its own electrical rhythm
- Delivers hormones and nutrients to tissues
Key parts of the heart
Atria
Two upper chambers that receive blood returning to the heart.
Ventricles
Two lower chambers that pump blood out to the lungs and body.
Valves
Four one-way valves keep blood flowing in the right direction.
Sinoatrial node
The natural pacemaker that sets the heartbeat.
How to keep your heart healthy
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly
- Limit salt, processed foods and added sugar
- Don't smoke and limit alcohol
- Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers
- Manage stress with rest, movement and connection
Holistic approach
Holistic Ways to Support Your Heart
Gentle everyday practices plus three traditional herbs, with honest notes on evidence and safety.
Walking and aerobic activity
Breathing and relaxation
Mindfulness meditation
Restorative sleep habits
Herbs & tinctures
At a glance
- Organ: Heart
- Body system: Circulatory System
- Beats per day: ~100,000
- Blood pumped daily: ~7,500 L
Did you know?
The heart has its own electrical system, so it can keep beating briefly even when separated from the body.
7-Day Heart Meal Plan
A week of simple meals built around fiber-rich, lower-sodium heart-healthy eating, with 21 easy recipes and a grocery list.
Educational note: This page is for general anatomy education and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Talk to a healthcare professional about any concerns.
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Hand-picked products to support your heart.
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