The heart
The heart is the engine that powers the body. It is the centre of the circulatory system, pumping oxygenated blood around the body in arteries and returning it in veins. The lub-dub of a heartbeat is the rhythm that underlies all of human life. Since the heart is so important to keeping a human body running, heart disease is deadly. Maintaining your cardiovascular health includes keeping an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as getting plenty of exercise.
This cholesterol-lowering drug combo could save hundreds of thousands of lives, claim scientists
Scientists are urging doctors to make this the go-to treatment for people across the globe
10 million Americans have this serious heart condition. Here's what to look out for
Rates of atrial fibrillation are speeding up, what can we do to monitor?
Are at-home heart tests actually worth it? A doctor explains
A little-known health test could save your life… for a price.
How much cheese is too much cheese?
Your stomach is likely to tell you when you have reached peak cheese, but is there an exact measure of how much is too much?
Mending a broken heart – The British Heart Foundation photography competition winners
Take a look at some amazing images of the human heart courtesy of the British Heart Foundation's 'Reflections of Research' photography competition.
How cutting hidden salt from your diet could slash your risk of heart problems by 10% - a nutritionist explains
For millennia we have used salt to make foods last longer and taste better. But the science surrounding it is tricky – we need some to survive and function, but too much can have consequences for health.
What’s the longest a human can hold their breath underwater?
Breathe in! People can hold air in their lungs for a surprising length of time.
'Heart attack on a chip’ could unlock new cardiac treatments
The device allows researchers to observe changes to heart tissue in real time.
AI can predict the risk of heart disease by analysing a single chest X-ray
The model could be used to identify at-risk patients who are not currently taking preventative medication.
How does a defibrillator work?
It delivers an electric current to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.
Getting as little as 10 minutes of vigorous exercise a week can help us to live longer
Fitness tracker study shows that getting several bursts of intense activity through the week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Instant Genius Podcast | The heart, with Sian Harding
Ever wondered why the heart is connected to love? Or how you can keep your heart health in good shape? We spoke to Sian Harding, author of The Exquisite Machine: The new science of the heart, to find out.
How many chambers does the heart have?
Your heart beats more than 100,000 times every day.
Funnel web spider venom may be used to prevent damage caused by heart attacks
Human clinical trials are set to begin on the drug within a year.
Lack of diversity in gut microbiome may increase the risk of heart failure
Compounds produced in our guts after eating dairy, eggs and red meat can also raise the risk.
The 7 best heart rate monitors for all levels in 2024
Whether you're a complete beginner, an expert runner or simply someone looking to up their fitness game, these are the best heart rate monitors right now.
Revolutionary heart transplant procedure carried out on a toddler could lower the risk of organ rejection
The procedure involved transplanting tissue from a gland found in the immune system to encourage the body to accept the donor heart.
Fixing a broken heart: These incredible images show how regenerative medicine can rebuild you
The British Heart Foundation has announced a £3-million round of funding to help to search for a cure for heart failure.
Ground-breaking surgery has saved a terminal patient with a genetically modified pig heart
A first-of-its-kind operation that proves a modified animal heart can function just like a human heart without the body rejecting it.
Does my heart stop beating when I sneeze?
Let the sneezing commence...but do so with care. Gesundheit!
Why doesn’t my heart get tired?
Dr Nish Manek explains the intriguing biology why your cardiac system rarely slumps.
A good story, well told, can cause listeners' heart rates to sync up
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin, and we'll synchronise our heart rates.
Regularly drinking coffee may help to protect your heart
Drinking three cups of coffee a day is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Newly born blood vessels win British Heart Foundation photography prize
Research to heal hearts triumphs in the British Heart Foundation's science image competition.