Know Your Heart
Where in your body is your heart located?
In your chest, between your lungs, slightly left of center.
What does blood carry that your body needs to breathe and survive?
Oxygen.
Which everyday drink is a good choice for staying hydrated without added sugar?
Water.
What do we call the heartbeat you can feel at your wrist?
Your pulse.
What instrument does a doctor use to listen to your heartbeat?
A stethoscope.
What is the heart’s main job?
Pumping blood throughout the body.
What organs put oxygen into your blood?
The lungs.
Name one physical activity that gets your heart beating faster.
Running, dancing, swimming, biking, playing sports, or another suitable activity.
During a game of basketball, does your heart rate usually increase or decrease?
Increase.
What two organs work with the heart to supply your blood with oxygen?
The lungs.
About how big is your heart?
About the size of your fist.
What type of blood cell carries oxygen?
Red blood cells.
Name two fruits or vegetables you could include in a heart-healthy meal.
Any two examples, such as apples and carrots.
Name an emotion that can make your heart beat faster even when you are sitting still.
Fear, excitement, anxiety, or stress.
Which blood cells help fight infections: red blood cells or white blood cells?
White blood cells.
How many chambers does your heart have?
Four.
After delivering oxygen to the body, blood returns to which organ to be pumped again?
The heart.
Besides eating well and exercising, name one habit that supports heart health.
Getting enough sleep, managing stress, or avoiding smoking.
Why does your heart beat faster when you run?
Your working muscles need more oxygen, so the heart pumps blood faster to help deliver it.
What parts of blood help form a clot when you get a cut?
Platelets.
What keeps blood moving forward through the heart instead of flowing backward?
What is the difference between an artery and a vein?
Arteries carry blood away from the heart; veins carry blood toward it.
Someone exercises regularly but sleeps very little and smokes. Does exercising cancel out those other habits? Explain.
No. Heart health depends on several habits; exercise does not erase the effects of other unhealthy habits.
Two people have different heart rates after the same activity. Does that automatically mean one has a heart problem?
No. Heart rate varies with factors such as effort, fitness, age, and emotions.
What body system includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels?
The circulatory system.