How does the heart work?

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The heart is a muscular organ a little larger than your fist weighing between 7 and 15 ounces (200 to 425 grams). It is responsible for pumping blood through the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions. The average heart beats 100,000 times per day pumping about 2,000 gallons (7,571 liters) of blood. The average human heart beating at 72 BPM (beats per minute), will beat approximately 2.5 billion times during a lifetime of 66 years.

The heart is usually situated in the middle of the thorax with the largest part of the heart slightly offset to the left underneath the breastbone or sternum and is surrounded by the lungs. The sac enclosing the heart is known as the pericardium.



The heart consists of the following parts:
Aorta: It is the largest artery and carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Superior Vena Cava: Deoxygenated blood from the upper parts of the body returns to the heart through the superior vena cava.
Inferior Vena Cava: Deoxygenated blood from the lower parts of the body returns to the heart through the inferior vena cava.
Pulmonary Veins: They carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart.
Pulmonary Arteries: They carry blood from the heart to the lungs to pick up oxygen.
Right Atrium: It collects deoxygenated blood returning from the body (through the vena cavas) and then forces it into the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve.
Right Ventricle: It collects deoxygenated blood from the right atrium and then forces it into the lungs through the pulmonary valve.
Left Atrium: It collects oxygenated blood returning from the lungs and then forces it into the left ventricle through the mitral valve.
Left Ventricle: It is the largest and the strongest chamber in the heart. It pushes blood through the aortic valve and into the body.

THE FUNCTION
The right side of the heart collects de-oxygenated blood from the body into the right atrium and then via the right ventricle pumps it into the lungs so that carbon dioxide can be dropped off and oxygen picked up.

The left side of the heart collects oxygenated blood from the lungs into the left atrium. From the left atrium the blood moves to the left ventricle which pumps it out to supply oxygen to the body.

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Interview with Maggi Ann Grace - Author of State of the Heart

Here's another interview in the series from another expert in the medical tourism industry. Maggi Ann Grace, the author of State of the Heart, talks of her personal experience in India, her testimony before the US Senate about globalization of healthcare, and other things.

Question: We understand that you developed an interest in medical tourism as a result of exploring for affordable healthcare options outside the United States for Mr. Staab’s heart surgery. What kind of hurdles were you meeting for similar care in the US for him?

They would not work with us on payment, and the cost was astronomical. They preferred we wait until Howard's heart failed and he had to come to the Emergency Room in an ambulance. But he only had a mechanical, fixable problem... not a damaged heart muscle. We didn't have the money up front.

Question: What led you to writing “State of the Heart”?

The flood of questions and pleas for help from potential patients, researchers, Indian citizens, etc. who wanted to know how we did it. I couldn't help as many people one at a time as I thought I could. If I wrote a book about our experience, I thought it might give the personal side of the story… to offer some hope, some comfort to those who venture into this unknown territory.

Question: How was the quality of health care that Mr. Staab received in India? How much did it cost? And how much do you think you saved by going to India?

The quality of care was superb. Total 3 weeks of hospitalization and two surgeries was $6,700. Just a 5-7 day stay for one operation was estimated at $200,000 in the U.S. The entire trip for one month cost us under $10,000.

Question: Wasn’t it kind of risky to take a long flight to India when you had your heart at stake?

Yes, I imagine we didn't realize how risky. That's why it's not for everyone, in any state of health.

Question: You also presented a testimony before the U.S. Senate last summer regarding the globalization of healthcare. What was the reaction of the Senate on this? What problems do you think such a globalization can solve?

I think globalization offers a very viable option for those under- and uninsured. But it is not the way to fix our system. Instead of outsourcing, I think we should be looking at India's private sector as a model of how to streamline ours, make care the priority instead of the bottom line.

Question: You also do social work in India for children affected by the tsunami. How did you develop an interest in such a service?

I stumbled upon an orphanage in Mamallapuram, quite by coincidence. We spent Christmas of 2006 there, and bought them food for their pantry, pillows for the children, and worked with the children with art projects, decorations, etc. Fell in love with the children, and intend to go back. A little bit goes a long way. I guess that is social work. But it was exhilarating and fun!

Question: Would you like to add anything else?

I hope my book offers a personal perspective... that these are real people, highly trained professionals, who will care for you until you are well enough to return home. They are not in a hurry to get you out of the hospital, or to get to the next patient. Anyone considering going to India or any other country should always take a companion to serve as liaison to the medical staff. It is an adventure, and when we are faced with health crises, often times we aren't up for the adventure. I hope we continue to work toward deactivating the power structure of the insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies here, so our doctors and nurses can get back to caring for patients.


Thanks, Ms. Grace, for your time and your views. We wish you success with State of the Heart.

Stay tuned to Medical Tourism News and Views for more news, views and videos.

This exclusive interview was brought to you by Healthbase. For more information on medical tourism visit Healthbase.com.


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