The Basics

Your heart is a pump that is responsible for delivering blood to all parts of your body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to nourish the cells, and veins transport oxygen-poor blood on its way back to the heart and lungs. This animation shows how the heart and circulatory system work.

Most U.S. adults have a heart age greater than their actual age, placing them at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Watch this short video to learn why your heart age is important and what you can do to improve it.

Watch this to learn how to perform hands-only CPR and other life saving steps for someone who is found not breathing.

Watch this video to learn what an Automated External Defibrillator or AED is, how it works, and when it should be used to help save a life.

Learn what the word "Cardiomyopathy" means.

Watch this to learn what the ventricular septum is.