The aorta, a key blood vessel, plays a vital role in transporting oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Recent research reveals that the aorta actively assists the heart by generating a wave-pumping effect, providing crucial support for blood circulation, particularly in individuals with heart failure.
Scientists have discovered that the aorta can function like a secondary heart, assisting the primary heart in pumping blood. This phenomenon, known as “wave-pumping,” occurs when the aorta stretches and recoils in response to the heart’s contraction and relaxation cycles. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), researchers monitored the movement of the aorta in 159 participants, including those with heart failure.
The study found that healthy individuals had greater aortic stretching, which was less pronounced in those with heart failure. This suggests that the aorta’s stretch and recoil can help enhance circulation when the heart’s pumping capacity is compromised.
The wave-pumping effect relies on the aorta’s ability to store and release energy during the cardiac cycle. When the heart contracts, the aorta stretches, and then recoils, releasing stored energy to maintain blood flow. This mechanism works in tandem with the heart’s pumping mechanism, supporting circulation without additional heartbeats.
These findings have significant implications for heart failure treatment. Targeting the aorta’s wave-pumping mechanism could lead to new therapies aimed at reducing strain on the heart. Researchers are exploring treatments that enhance aortic elasticity, which could help support circulation in patients with heart failure.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/04/scientists-discover-a-second-heart-that-powers-our-blood-circulation