World Heart Day - Did You Know?

World Heart Day is observed annually on September 29th.  The goal is to raise awareness about heart disease and promote cardiovascular health.

Some fun facts and tips:

Pump Rate

Each minute your heart pumps about 5.7 liters of blood, that’s equivalent to your heart filing three 2-liter containers with liquid every minute. 

Almost every cell needs blood

Almost all cells in your body receive blood, the exception is the eye’s cornea.

Laughter is good medicine

A great joke can make you laugh. Laughing can reduce stress, improve your mood, and relax blood vessels.

Modesty led to the invention of the stethoscope

The invention of the stethoscope is credited to Dr. Laennec in the 1800s. Prior to the invention of the stethoscope, practitioners pressed their ear directly onto the person’s chest. The first version used a rolled-up paper tube as a funnel.

20/20 rule

Sitting for extended periods of time increases cardiovascular risk. For every 20 minutes you sit, shake it up by standing or taking a quick walk.

Sips matter

Staying hydrated reduces the amount of work your heart needs to do. Drinking water throughout the day helps to maintain heart health.

Sleep is medicine

Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep is critical for heart health. Sleep helps to lower blood pressure naturally. Lack of sleep means your blood pressure stays higher for longer periods of time.