Your heart is a pump that is responsible for delivering blood to all parts of your body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to nourish the cells, and veins transport oxygen-poor blood on its way back to the heart and lungs. This animation shows how the heart and circulatory system work.
Most U.S. adults have a heart age greater than their actual age, placing them at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Watch this short video to learn why your heart age is important and what you can do to improve it.
A helpful guide to how your heart's electrical system works, complete with a diagram.
Learn how the heart works.
Coronary artery spasm is a type of angina. Angina is pain that is caused by the heart muscles not getting enough blood. A sudden spasm or narrowing of a blood vessel that supplies the heart causes angina by reducing the amount of oxygen the heart receives. Coronary artery spasms often cause pain. Sometimes severe spasms can lead to irregular heartbeats. They can even cause heart attack, also known as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and sudden death.
The pericardium is the thin, sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart. Inflammation of this tissue is called pericarditis. The condition may be mild and last only a few days. Or it may be more severe and lead to serious complications.
Nonstop flow of blood from the heart to the body and back to the heart again is called circulation. Blood vessels are hollow muscular tubes that carry blood throughout your body, much like pipes circulate water in your home.
Coronary artery disease can affect arteries throughout your body. Learn what's at risk.
A heart murmur is an extra noise heard during a heartbeat. The noise is caused when blood does not flow smoothly through the heart.
Watch this video to learn how to do hands-only CPR on a teen or adult.
Watch this to learn how to perform hands-only CPR and other life saving steps for someone who is found not breathing.
Watch this video to learn what an Automated External Defibrillator or AED is, how it works, and when it should be used to help save a life.
Watch this to know what an external defibrillator is and how it is used as a life-saving medical device.
Watch this video to learn the basics of child CPR.
Refresh your skills in CPR for children ages 1 to 8. Here are the steps to know, including how to use an automated external defibrillator.
Learn what the word "Cardiomyopathy" means.
Watch this to learn what the ventricular septum is.
Watch this to learn what Septal Myectomy means.
Robotic cardiac surgery is a less invasive form of heart surgery. It's done using very small incisions in the chest, tiny tools, and a robotic device operated by a surgeon. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.
