Heart disease is a major killer and claims 17.7 million lives every year. This infographic from Study Medicine Europe takes you through the amazing workings of the heart and provides insight on what can be done to protect it.
In just one day, your heart pumps 2,000 gallons of oxygenated blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels. When working perfectly, it’s incredible. Unfortunately, your heart can run into problems as you age. If you suffer a cardiac arrest, could die within a few minutes if treatment is not received promptly.
The responsibility really does fall on each of us to care for our own heart. While there are no quick fixes for heart issues, your best bet is to get active while you're young and your heart is strong. But it’s never too late to change your habits.
As you get older, it’s likely that you may be diagnosed with a condition that increases your risk of a heart attack. If you’re under a doctor's care, do your best to take their recommendations "to heart."
Aris Grigoriou serves as the Student Recruitment Manager at Study Medicine Europe, which represents leading medical, dental and veterinary schools in the European Union.