Scientists Unveil the "Second Heart" Driving Human Blood Circulation

The aorta , a large blood vessel responsible for transporting oxygenated blood From the heart to the rest of the body, it plays a vital role in our overall function. circulatory system . It has been widely acknowledged for some time that the aorta plays a role in elastic properties that help absorb pressure variations Recent studies show that the aorta's role goes beyond this merely passive function.

The latest research indicates that the aorta plays an active role in supporting the heart by producing a wave-pumping effect , offering essential backing for blood circulation , especially in people suffering from heart failure.

Uncovering the Aortic Wave-Pumping Phenomenon

The research, published in the Royal Society Journal - Interface explores a significant finding that the aorta operates similarly to secondary heart , helping the main heart in circulating blood blood .

The occurrence, referred to as "صند wave-pumping ," happens as the aorta expands and contracts in sync with the heartbeat's pulsation phases. Scientists propose that this phenomenon, first noted in the embryonic stages of blood circulation , might continue into adulthood, serving a crucial function in blood flow .

In this research, scientists employed magnetic resonance imaging. (MRI) To track the movement of the aorta in 159 participants, which includes individuals with heart conditions, failure Their findings underscored a notable distinction in the aortic displacement profiles Between healthy people and those with heart failure.

The healthier participants showed more significant aortic elongation, but this increase was less notable among individuals with heart issues. failure This adds more weight to the idea that the aorta’s stretching and recoiling might aid in boosting blood flow during circulation. heart’s pumping capacity is compromised.

The Mechanism of Aortic Expansion and Contraction

Aortic wave-pumping, or “i mpedance pumping ," depends on the aorta’s capacity to retain and discharge energy during the cardiac cycle . When the heart contracts (systole) , the aorta expands as blood is forced into it.

Then, during relaxation (diastole), The aorta contracts back, releasing the pressure. stored energy and helping maintain blood flow This wave-pumping effect operates alongside the heart’s pumping action, aiding overall blood circulation without requiring extra heartbeats.

This finding is important because it reveals an overlooked facet of how the aorta functions. According to the research, this wave-like pumping action might turn into a crucial process, particularly for individuals with heart failure, wherein the heart’s capacity to circulate blood diminishes.

The aorta's role in circulation might ease some of the strain on the heart, aiding blood flow. oxygenated blood through the body.

Implications for Treating Heart Failure

The consequences of these discoveries might be significant for heart failure treatment . As the aorta serves an additional function in blood circulation Its role could be specifically addressed in treatments designed to alleviate stress on the heart.

Scientists are investigating possible therapies to boost the elasticity of the aorta, which might aid circulation in individuals with heart failure . Certain current blood pressure-lowering drugs already function to alter arterial stiffness However, their impact on the aorta's wave-pumping mechanism is still an area requiring additional investigation.

The results of this research might also shed light on how certain people with diminished cardiac function can still sustain sufficient blood flow. In such cases, the aorta could be compensating for the reduced pumping capacity of the heart. blood , making sure the body keeps getting what it needs oxygen and nutrients. U

Grasping the wave-pumping action of the aorta presents fresh possibilities for enhancing cardiac function. failure management This might result in the creation of better therapies.

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