As humans we understand the benefits of a healthy cardiovascular system. The cardio (heart) and vascular (vessel) system in good health keeps the body running efficiently. In an unhealthy heart  there are many problems that occur as a chain reaction. Our pets are affected in the same way.

A quick review of the heart.  In mammals it is a four chambered organ. The left side of the heart receives freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs. The heart pushes this rejuvenated blood to all parts of the body such as muscles, kidneys, liver and bone.  The oxygen in this blood is used for many chemical reactions such as the citric acid cycle in the mitochondria of each cell. This keeps the cells alive.  New cells can be made if the cells are healthy with oxygen .  The used blood has reduced oxygen. It is returned to the right side of the heart to go through the oxygen cycle again.

The heart muscle is the strongest muscle in the body.  It is in continual use.  With each strong push it sends blood from one chamber to the next.  The valves in between the chambers keep the blood from flowing backward. In addition there are nerve centers which act as pacemakers to tell the heart muscle how fast to contract and how to maintain blood pressure.   If the oxygen evel is high enough the heart can slow down such as during sleep or with extreme fitness. If there is not enough oxygen the heart rate will increase and perhaps shut down certain distant areas of blood flow to maintain enough oxygen to the highest priority areas. This happens with shock or overexertion.  When the oxygen can be received by each cell there is a steady state of health. However decreased oxygen can lead to cell death.  This may be caused by a lack of red blood cells( bleeding or anemic situations).  If the cells are diseased (trauma, infection, cancer) the oxygen may not reach the cells and cell death occurs.  Naturally we loose cells by death everyday.  However, a healthy body continues to replace them.. With age cells fail to be replaced effectively (brain cells).

There are several tools to help assess cardiovascular function.  In veterinary practice Electrocarograph(EKG), Radigraphs (X-Rays),  Oxygen Saturation (Pulse oximeter), Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance (MRI)  Auscultation (Stethescope)  and Blood work  determine what if any disease is present.

Many factors help maintain the effects of a healthy heart.  Our pets must have fitness , proper nutrition,  freedom from parasites and a stress free environment. My next article will discuss effects of an unhealthy heart.