Heart Information Center

Think of your heart as being a car engine. It has its own electrical (conduction) system that causes the motor (heart muscle) to beat in a rhythmic pattern. The heart “pump” is fueled by its own blood supply from arteries, and valves in the pump control the flow of the blood in the four heart chambers.

How well your heart runs depends on a healthy pump (heart muscle and valves), constant flow of fuel (unblocked arteries) and an effective electrical system (conduction system). Like the engine of a car, your heart may start to have problems if you don’t care for it properly. Learn more about keeping your heart tuned-up.