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Your legs aren’t just for walking. It also controls important functions related to heart health. It is also often called the ‘second heart’. To understand why the calf muscles are called the second heart, HT Lifestyle reached out to Dr. Priya Palimkar, Senior Consultant – Cardiologist at Sahyadri Hospital, Pune, who has over 19 years of experience.
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He confirmed that yes, the calf muscles, specifically the gastrocnemius and soleus, are commonly referred to as the ‘second heart’. Cardiologist told that it supports circulation and prevents venous problems. “The name ‘second heart’ indicates the importance of the leg muscles in recycling blood from the legs to the heart. This is because pumping blood back is the primary function of the heart, and these muscles assist in this process.”
So, in other words, it helps the blood to move smoothly. While the heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, the calf muscles help provide additional pressure for blood to return from the legs back to the heart.
How does the ‘second heart’ work?
Now, how does the calf muscle help with circulation? According to Dr. Palimakar, it works as a natural pump. “When a person is standing or walking, the force of gravity causes blood to flow downwards into the veins located in the legs. As a result, the calf muscles are activated and they contract and harden and compress the deep veins that are close to them. The blood is prevented from being pulled back by one-way valves in the veins; thus with each contraction, it forces blood upward towards the heart,” the cardiologist elaborated. Told.
In fact, the calf muscles are called the second heart because they play a supporting role to the heart. They ensure that blood does not accumulate in the legs and circulation is effective. It helps in making the work of the heart easier.
“The heart is then nourished by a steady flow of blood, which not only keeps blood volume in the heart stable, but also helps maintain cardiac output and normal circulation,” he continued, explaining how the calf’s ability to support circulation directly impacts heart health.
Dangers of sitting for long periods of time
What happens when this natural pump system doesn’t work? Dr. Palimkar named the risks, “People with a malfunctioning calf-pump system are significantly more likely to have chronic venous problems, edema (swelling), and are even more likely to have poor circulatory outcomes. For example, patients with weak calf-pump function suffer from the most severe stages of venous disease.”
To make sure your second heart stays strong, cardiologists recommend exercising your calf muscles. He also urged to stay active and not sit or stand for too long. Explaining the risks, he said, “This ‘second heart’ effect is of a mechanical nature and depends on movement; sitting or standing for too long can have the opposite effect, that is, they can slow venous return and increase the risk of blood stasis (risk of blood staying in one place) in the legs.”
This is why one should remain active, keep moving and avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time so that the cardiovascular functions can work efficiently.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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