Pune cardiologist with 19 years of experience shares why the calf muscle is called ‘second heart’

Your legs are extra than simply for strolling. It additionally regulates very important capabilities associated to cardiovascular well being. It’s also usually known as the ‘second coronary heart.’ To grasp why the calf muscle known as the second coronary heart, HT Way of life reached out to Dr Priya Palimkar, senior advisor – heart specialist at Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune, who has over 19 years of expertise. Calf muscle is also called the second coronary heart. (Image credit score: Freepik) ALSO READ: Heart specialist warns of this coronary heart situation in Gen Z, an early signal of coronary heart assault, different untimely cardiovascular illnesses She confirmed that sure, generally the calf muscular tissues, particularly the gastrocnemius and soleus, are normally known as as ‘second coronary heart.’ The heart specialist revealed that it helps circulation and prevents venous issues. “The identify ‘second coronary heart’ signifies the significance of leg muscular tissues within the blood recirculation from the legs to the center. It’s because pumping blood again is the first activity of the center, and these muscular tissues help on this course of.” So, in different phrases, it helps to maintain blood shifting easily. Whereas the center is accountable for pumping the blood all through the physique, the calf muscular tissues assist for the additional push the blood wants for getting back from the legs, again to the center. How does the ‘second coronary heart’ work?Now, how does the calf muscle assist in circulation? As per Dr Palimkar, it really works as a pure pump. “When an individual is standing or strolling, the power of gravity causes the blood to movement downwards into the veins which are situated within the legs. Consequently, the calf muscular tissues are activated they usually contract to harden and compress the deep veins that are near them. Blood is prevented from being pulled again by the one-way valves within the veins; thus each contraction, it strikes blood upward to the center,” the heart specialist elaborated. Actually, the calf muscular tissues are known as the second coronary heart as a result of they tackle a supporting function for the center. They be sure that blood doesn’t pool within the legs and that the circulation is efficient. It helps to make the center’s job simpler. “The guts is then fed with a gradual movement of blood, which not solely retains the amount of blood within the coronary heart fixed but in addition helps keep the cardiac output and basic circulation,” she additional elaborated on how the calf’s capability to assist circulation makes it immediately impacts cardiovascular well being. Risks of extended sitting Sitting for lengthy hours could disrupt circulation. (Image credit score: Freepik ) What occurs when this pure pump system doesn’t work? Dr Palimkar named the dangers, “Malfunctioning calf-pump system considerably will increase the probability of individuals having persistent venous points, oedema (swelling), and even a better likelihood of unhealthy circulatory penalties. For example, sufferers with a weaker calf-pump perform undergo from essentially the most extreme levels of venous illness.” To make sure your second coronary heart stays sturdy, the heart specialist advisable exercising the calf muscular tissues. She additionally urged being energetic and never sitting or standing for very lengthy durations. Describing the danger, she mentioned, “This ‘second coronary heart’ impact is of a mechanical nature and is dependent upon motion; very lengthy durations of sitting or standing nonetheless can have the alternative impact, that’s, they’ll make venous return slower and improve the danger of blood stasis (danger of blood staying in a single place) within the legs.” For this reason one ought to keep energetic, hold shifting, and keep away from sitting or standing for lengthy durations in order that the cardiovascular capabilities work effectively. Notice to readers: This text is for informational functions solely and never an alternative to skilled medical recommendation. All the time search the recommendation of your physician with any questions on a medical situation.