'A second heart': Scientists discover a hidden engine in the human chest
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Heart helper
New research shows the aorta acts like a second heart—actively pumping to boost circulation.
Wave engine
This “wave-pumping” effect uses stretch and recoil to move blood, not just elastic pressure absorption.
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Hidden muscle
Once thought passive, the aorta is now recognized as a dynamic force in adult blood circulation.
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Stretch signal
MRI scans reveal stronger aortic recoil in healthy people compared to heart failure patients.
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Backup pump
In heart failure, the aorta’s recoil may pick up the slack—helping move blood when the heart can’t.
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Pressure pulse
During each heartbeat, the aorta stores energy, then pushes it back into the bloodstream on recoil.
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Vital assist
This mechanism reduces the burden on the heart—possibly explaining why some weak hearts still perform well.
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Therapy shift
Boosting aortic elasticity could become a target for heart failure treatment, beyond just helping the heart.
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Circulation rethink
The aorta isn’t just a blood vessel—it may be part of a broader circulatory engine we’ve overlooked.
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