Did you know that humans have a second heart?

 Did you know that humans have a second heart? 

The soleus muscle: The body's "second heart"

Did you know that the soleus muscle is often referred to as the "second heart"? 

It serves as an additional pump in the body, complementing the function of the heart. 

While the heart pumps blood outward to the extremities, deep muscles like the soleus aid in pumping blood back towards the heart. 

Positioned at the body's lowest gravitational point when standing upright, the soleus muscle is strategically located to work in harmony with the heart. This muscle, found in the calves, plays a crucial role in facilitating the return of venous blood to the heart from the periphery. 

It is also known as the skeletal-muscle pump, peripheral heart, or the sural (tricipital) pump.

Each time the calf muscle contracts, it triggers the opening of one-way valves within the leg veins, facilitating the upward movement of blood towards the heart. Conversely, when the calf muscle relaxes, these valves close to prevent the backward flow of blood into the legs. 

The dangers of prolonged sitting

Prolonged periods of sitting or standing can elevate pressure in the veins, potentially causing damage to the valves over time, resulting in increased blood pooling in the legs. 

This weakening of the calf muscle pump function can manifest in symptoms characteristic of chronic vein disease, including leg swelling, fatigue, and the development of varicose veins. 

A rare but serious complication of prolonged sitting, such as during a long flight, is the formation of blood clots.

How to keep the soleus pumping

Activate the "second heart" in one simple step: Just walk. Take walking breaks regularly throughout the day, ideally every hour or so, is key. You can get the calf muscle pumping by staying in motion. 

For those with desk jobs or who stand for long periods, prioritizing walking whenever possible is crucial. 

If circumstances prevent getting up, such as during a flight or while stuck at a desk, performing toe raises—flexing the foot up and down—can help replicate the motion of walking to some extent.

The “second heart” only starts pumping when your legs move so keep moving those legs and walk! 

Source: https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/what-is-the-second-heart-rcna117576