Has any estimate been made of the work that is done by the heart in circulating the blood?

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Work of the Heart

Q.  Has any estimate been made of the work that is done by the heart in circulating the blood?

A. Yes. The work of the heart of an ordi­nary man in twenty-four hours is equal to many tons.

It has been estimated that the heart at each beat does work equal to lifting one pound one foot high. The amount of energy consumed is 1/1000 of a calory. The work of the heart mus­cle is about one-tenth of the work done by the entire body.

The rate at which the heart works varies with many conditions. On counting the pulse at the wrist, the ordinary rate in an adult, sitting up­ right, is found to be 68. In the same person lying down the pulse rate will be found to be 64 beats, and in the standing position the rate would be increased to 78. Walking at a moderate rate usually raises the pulse to about 100, while by running and other violent muscular efforts, it may be increased to 180 or even more. The pulse rate of an infant is about 130 to 140; that of a child of ten years, 90. In aged persons the pulse is likewise found to be five to ten beats faster than in middle age.

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