Important information on texting our practice!

Please be sure to include your Date of Birth, Last Name, and if you are a New or Returning patient in your text message.

If this is an emergency, please do NOT send by text. Thank you! 

Skip to main content

8 Amazing Facts About Your Heart You Probably Didn't Know

8 Amazing Facts About Your Heart You Probably Didn't Know

The heart is a complex and fascinating organ that supports every aspect of life. One of the coolest facts about the heart is just how much work it does without us even noticing.

At Chinatown Cardiology, with four New York City locations, our experienced cardiology team has a deep appreciation for the heart and the work it does on our behalf. That’s why we offer heart-focused services to ensure your heart gets the care it deserves.

In recognition of this vital organ, we’d like to share a few amazing facts about the heart you may not know about.

1. Your heart beats a lot

Your heart typically beats more than 100,000 times a day, with a resting heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute.

2. A woman’s heart beats faster than a man’s

On average, a woman’s heart rate is about eight beats faster than a man’s. That’s because a woman’s heart is smaller and needs to pump faster to deliver the same amount of blood to the rest of the body.

Newborns, however, have the fastest heartbeats, averaging up to 190 beats per minute.

3. Your heart moves a lot of blood

Every minute, your heart pumps about 1.5 gallons of blood out to the rest of your body. In a day’s time, that equals about 2,000 gallons of blood sent out to your cells and tissues.

4. Each side of the heart has its own job

The left side of your heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout your body, while the right side delivers blood into your lungs.

5. Your heart is centered

When placing their hands over their hearts, many people land on the left side of the body. However, your heart is in the middle of your chest behind the breastbone. You may feel your heartbeat strongest on the left side because the organ tilts in this direction.

6. Laughing is good for your heart

The old cliché that laughter is the best medicine is true when it comes to your heart. Laughter helps relax the blood vessels so more blood can move throughout your body. When you’re laughing, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to keep blood flowing.

7. There’s no need for blessings

Saying “bless you” after someone sneezes started with the belief that the heart briefly stops. Rest assured that your heart continues beating when you sneeze, but its rhythm may change momentarily.

8. Monday heart attacks are most common

Heart attacks occur more often on Monday than on any other day of the week, possibly due to the body’s circadian rhythm. They’re also common in the morning because stress hormones are at their highest levels.

Heart attacks occur most frequently on Christmas Day, followed closely by the day after Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Be heart aware

Many people are at risk of heart disease and other heart-related complications due to lifestyle, diet, and unhealthy habits.

The good news: The proactive care available at Chinatown Cardiology can reduce your risk factors for chronic heart conditions and better support the long-term health and function of the body’s most powerful organ.

Chinatown Cardiology has offices in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. For preventive screenings to protect your heart health, call the office nearest you or request your appointment online today. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Everything You Should Know About Arrhythmias

Everything You Should Know About Arrhythmias

An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can alter how much blood your heart pumps out and put you at risk of health complications. Learn more about arrhythmias and what treatments you might need to regulate your heart’s rhythm.
Pacemakers and ICDs: How They Work and What to Expect

Pacemakers and ICDs: How They Work and What to Expect

When medications and other therapies fail to correct an irregular heartbeat, you may qualify for a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Learn how each device works and what to expect during your treatment.
What Happens After Valvuloplasty?

What Happens After Valvuloplasty?

When you’re preparing for a valvuloplasty, you need to plan ahead to ensure a smooth recovery. Learn what happens during a valvuloplasty and what to expect afterward.