Liberty Science Center

Classes leave Liberty Science Center’s Live From…Cardiac Classroom pumped!

The average size of your heart is approximately the size of your fist, the heart is the central pump that circulates blood throughout the body. Damage to this vital organ interrupts the flow of oxygen and nutrients that keep muscles, nerves and all other tissue alive and functional. As students participate in a session of Live From…Cardiac Classroom,™ they’ll watch live cardiac surgery as it happens and interact with the surgical team at Morristown Memorial Hospital during the procedure via videoconferencing technology. Students gain an “inside” understanding of coronary artery disease, healthy lifestyle choices, risk factors for disease and careers in cardiac research and medicine.

The Cardiovascular System

Your heart is a hollow, muscular pump, its main function is to propel blood throughout the body via a network of vessels. It beats between 60 to 80 times per minute, but can go much faster when needed. The heart doesn’t sit centrally in the chest but a bit to the left, snug between your lungs. Your heart has an electrical system that keeps it beating and coordinates a normal rhythm to circulate blood throughout the body.

Aortic Arch

Heart Central

Knowing your medical history is a valuable component in understand heart disease. Think of your heart as a primary pump that’s also a central hub between the lungs and the rest of the body. From the right side, the heart routes blood to lungs to pick up oxygen. That blood then circles back to the left side of the heart where a strong squeeze sends it out to the body. Each “lub-dub” echoes the heart’s pumping mechanism, which cycles about 5 quarts of blood per minute when you are resting.

Coronary Arteries

The Coronary Arteries

Coronary Artery Disease or CAD, is the condition where the coronary arteries gradually become narrowed due to a build up of plaque called atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease affects many men and women worldwide. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women and coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease. Understanding risk factors linked with heart disease is critical your heart health. Breakthroughs in cardiac research and medicine are redefining how doctors approach heart disease and teach their patients about reducing risk.

In the O.R.

The success of any surgery depends on a team of skilled doctors, nurses and technicians working together in the operating room. Check back soon to see exciting videos of these medical professionals at work!