'A second heart': Scientists discover a hidden engine in the human chest

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Heart helper

[{"selector":"#anim-46559dec-c52b-4e67-b71e-3301d20cd9e5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] New research shows the aorta acts like a second heart—actively pumping to boost circulation.

Wave engine

[{"selector":"#anim-c77bcf31-3d2a-494f-964b-d23c90ac34cf [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(29.921874878166715%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] This “wave-pumping” effect uses stretch and recoil to move blood, not just elastic pressure absorption. Representative pic

Hidden muscle

[{"selector":"#anim-b1ff66b0-70bf-4ea2-ba78-da1da745c523 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Once thought passive, the aorta is now recognized as a dynamic force in adult blood circulation. Representative pic

Stretch signal

[{"selector":"#anim-9cb618ac-0c2b-4168-8d71-7eec411ab47f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] MRI scans reveal stronger aortic recoil in healthy people compared to heart failure patients. Representative pic

Backup pump

[{"selector":"#anim-3d24d164-6a4f-49f0-9ee1-84ae52184ac2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-33.93229156916844%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] In heart failure, the aorta’s recoil may pick up the slack—helping move blood when the heart can’t. Representative pic

Pressure pulse

[{"selector":"#anim-f04848af-293f-4c32-b1df-d494172c1d01 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] During each heartbeat, the aorta stores energy, then pushes it back into the bloodstream on recoil. Representative pic

Vital assist

[{"selector":"#anim-910656d8-a149-4149-953c-0c0a9fa9b996 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.499999772451451%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] This mechanism reduces the burden on the heart—possibly explaining why some weak hearts still perform well. Representative pic

Therapy shift

[{"selector":"#anim-ef07072b-020a-4b01-9ddc-5eb8ff81a13e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Boosting aortic elasticity could become a target for heart failure treatment, beyond just helping the heart. Representative pic

Circulation rethink

[{"selector":"#anim-8286b273-7494-4c23-84d1-22cf52180d29 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The aorta isn’t just a blood vessel—it may be part of a broader circulatory engine we’ve overlooked. Representative pic

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