What's Up Docs? How can you look after your amazing heart?
Nov 4, 2025
Join Emeritus Professor Sian Harding, an expert on heart biology and author of "The Exquisite Machine," and Professor Stephen Westaby, a pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon. They delve into why emotions trigger heartbeats and the heart’s intricate engineering. Discover how heart disease has evolved, cutting-edge artificial heart technology, and the importance of lifestyle for prevention. Harting also highlights the difficulty in regenerating heart tissue, while Westaby shares his inspiring journey into surgery and the key habits for a healthy heart.
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Heart Sounds Reveal Valve Mechanics
- The heart's "lub-dub" comes from entry valves slamming shut during chamber contraction and exit valves closing during relaxation.
- Understanding these sounds explains valve function and helps detect leaks or other mechanical problems.
Heart's Cellular Jigsaw And Synchrony
- Cardiac muscle is a tightly connected jigsaw allowing synchronized electrical impulses from the pacemaker.
- Disrupting that structure or rhythm makes building or repairing hearts especially difficult.
Heart Cells Mostly Last A Lifetime
- The heart regenerates extremely slowly, with about 1% yearly turnover falling with age.
- Many cardiac cells remain from birth, making repair and replacement a major scientific challenge.
