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What is the Epicardium?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

The epicardium is a layer of muscle located on the outside of the heart. A continuous piece of muscle, this tissue performs a protective role, helping hold the other muscles close together. The heart is responsible for pumping blood through the blood vessels, causing it to circulate throughout the body.

The heart is comprised completely of cardiac muscle and is found in all vertebrates. The heart must be functioning for the animal to live. The epicardium is considered to be an involuntary muscle. This means the muscle contracts and releases based on automated signals from the brain.

The epicardium is a layer of muscle on the heart.
The epicardium is a layer of muscle on the heart.

Several mechanical devices have been invented to mimic the function of the heart muscles. These artificial heart machines are used to keep the blood oxygenated and moving through the body during heart surgery, or in situations where the person has suffered catastrophic injuries. The machine requires significant power and puts a great deal of strain on the patient's body. As a result, it is only used in emergency situations.

Irreversible problems with the epicardium may require a heart transplant.
Irreversible problems with the epicardium may require a heart transplant.

The epicardium cannot be separated from the other heart muscles, but it can be stimulated by electronic pulses to change the rhythm of the heart. This type of device is usually implanted into the patient, and is used when the heart is unable to sustain a consistent rhythm or is prone to skipping a beat. The use of implants and other devices to sustain life grew significantly after success with pacemakers, which are used to control the muscular contractions of the epicardium muscles.

The buildup of fatty deposits on the heart muscles contributes directly to heart attacks.
The buildup of fatty deposits on the heart muscles contributes directly to heart attacks.

The most serious risk to the heart muscle is obesity. The buildup of fatty deposits on the heart muscles contributes directly to heart attacks, which are one of the leading causes of natural death among adults. A diet rich is fruits, vegetables, and whole grains significantly reduces the buildup of fat in the heart. Add a regular exercise routine to keep the heart muscle strong, and the risk is even lower.

A diet rich is fruits, vegetables, and whole grains significantly reduces the buildup of fat in the heart.
A diet rich is fruits, vegetables, and whole grains significantly reduces the buildup of fat in the heart.

Replacing the entire heart muscle is called a heart transplant, and is a very dangerous surgery, performed only when absolutely necessary. The heart must be donated from someone of similar blood type, height and weight who has passed away from a non-heart-related trauma. The list of people in need of a heart transplant exceeds the number of hearts available. People often pass away from heart disease or related complications while waiting for a suitable heart to become available.

Discussion Comments

Blikissot

There is nothing we can do about our fragility but we can still strive onward to help science develop other tools to help cure and restore.

Grinderry

@CrazyGamer6 - As much as it might seem that way I feel that mankind is the heartiest of species. We have been known to survive situations and events that would decimate any other species. The fact that we triumph even though we have hearts so fragile is testament to just how resilient man is.

CrazyGamer6

You wouldn't think the heart as fragile as it is but alas, it would seem that for all mans' strengths, he still has one central weakness.

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    • The epicardium is a layer of muscle on the heart.
      By: adimas
      The epicardium is a layer of muscle on the heart.
    • Irreversible problems with the epicardium may require a heart transplant.
      By: VILevi
      Irreversible problems with the epicardium may require a heart transplant.
    • The buildup of fatty deposits on the heart muscles contributes directly to heart attacks.
      By: pankajstock123
      The buildup of fatty deposits on the heart muscles contributes directly to heart attacks.
    • A diet rich is fruits, vegetables, and whole grains significantly reduces the buildup of fat in the heart.
      By: Sergii Figurnyi
      A diet rich is fruits, vegetables, and whole grains significantly reduces the buildup of fat in the heart.
    • Heart attacks are the leading cause of natural death among adults.
      By: chuugo
      Heart attacks are the leading cause of natural death among adults.
    • Obesity is the most serious risk to the heart muscle.
      By: olly
      Obesity is the most serious risk to the heart muscle.