A Miracle at the Center of Your Chest

Without asking for your attention, your heart beats more than 100,000 times a day, circulating life through your body. That’s about:

• 60–100 beats per minute
• 4,800 beats per hour
• 35 million beats a year
• Over 2.5 billion beats in a lifetime (if you live to 70+)

The fact that your heart never rests yet never fails is a testament to the wonders of human biology — and a gentle reminder to take care of it.

Anatomy of a Heartbeat [1]

Your heart is a muscular pump made up of four chambers:

• Two atria (upper)
• Two ventricles (lower)

Every beat is powered by electrical impulses generated by the sinoatrial node, also known as the natural pacemaker. These impulses:

• Trigger muscle contraction
• Propel oxygen-rich blood to the body
• Return deoxygenated blood back to the lungs

Why It Beats So Much [2]

Your body requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. The heart’s rhythmic action ensures:

• 5–6 liters of blood are circulated every minute
• That’s over 7,000 liters a day
• Blood travels through 60,000 miles of blood vessels!

This circulation is what keeps every cell alive, from your brain to your toes.

When the Rhythm Goes Wrong [3]

Any abnormal heart rhythm is called an arrhythmia. Some common types include:

• Bradycardia – too slow
• Tachycardia – too fast
• Atrial fibrillation – irregular rhythm

These disruptions can lead to:

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Sudden cardiac arrest

Your Heart Is Affected By…

1. Diet – High cholesterol and salt can strain the heart
2. Stress – Chronic stress increases heart rate and blood pressure
3. Sleep – Poor sleep is linked to heart disease
4. Exercise – Regular activity strengthens heart muscle
5. Hormones – Especially in women, hormonal shifts affect cardiovascular risk
6. Genetics – Family history plays a major role

7 Heart-Healthy Habits

1. Eat heart-smart foods: leafy greens, nuts, omega-3-rich fish
2. Exercise 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week
3. Limit processed foods, sugar, and sodium
4. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol
5. Get regular BP, cholesterol, and sugar checks
6. Practice stress-reducing techniques like yoga or meditation
7. Prioritize sleep: aim for 7–8 hours a night

Your heart works tirelessly — every second, every minute, every day — without a break. It’s one of the few organs that never pauses from birth until your last breath. Every beat is a gift.

Understanding how your heart functions, recognizing risks, and making intentional lifestyle choices can help ensure your heart stays strong — for all the years and all the beats to come.