Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. It pumps blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your cells. Your cardiovascular system includes; your heart, your blood vessels, and blood.
Your heart is a muscle that contracts and relaxes as it pumps blood through your body. Blood vessels transport blood throughout your body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart and distribute it to the rest of your body. Veins return oxygen-poor blood back to your heart.
Your cardiovascular system works with other systems in your body to keep you alive and healthy. For example, when you exercise, your muscles need more oxygen. Your cardiovascular system responds by pumping more blood to deliver oxygen to your muscles.
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How Does The Heart Work?
Your heart is a hard-working muscle, pumping blood throughout your body 24/7.
The human heart is about the size of a fist and is located in the center of the chest. It is made up of four chambers: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers). The right side of the heart pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide. The left side of the heart then pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
In between the atria and ventricles are valves that open and close with each heartbeat to make sure the blood flows in only one direction.
The Blood Vessels
Your cardiovascular system is made up of your heart and your blood vessels. Your blood vessels carry blood away from your heart and to the rest of your body. There are three types of blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart to the rest of your body. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to your heart. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect your arteries and veins.
How Does Blood Get Filled With Oxygen?
Your blood is constantly on the move, thanks to the cardiovascular system. The heart pumps blood through a network of blood vessels, which carry the blood to your lungs. In your lungs, oxygen from the air you breathe passes into your bloodstream.
The oxygen-rich blood then flows back to your heart, and from there, it’s pumped out to the rest of your body. Your cells need oxygen to function, so this continuous cycle of circulation ensures that they get the oxygen they need:
Your bloodstream carries oxygen from your lungs to all of your cells and carbon dioxide back from your cells to your lungs.
Exercise Effect on Your Cardiovascular System
Exercise is positive for your cardiovascular system because it makes your heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood. It also helps improve the flexibility of your blood vessels, which can lower your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Regular exercise can also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are major risk factors for heart disease.
Signs of Problems with the Cardiovascular System
When it comes to the cardiovascular system, there are a few telltale signs that something may be wrong. For instance, chest pain and pressure are common symptoms of a heart attack. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Another warning sign is dizziness. This can be caused by low blood pressure and can be a sign of an impending heart attack.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risks – and what you can do to stay healthy.