Thump, thump. The pounding rhythm is synonymous with the beat of life itself - the sound of a person's heartbeat. This remarkable organ is a marvel of nature, working nonstop day after day, month after month, to give life a chance. A pulse never-ending in its cadence, this rhythm stands out as not only the beat of strength but as also an endless source of interest and inspiration across cultures and down the centuries.

It is nothing short of miraculous that the heart can keep functioning day and night without having to rest like any other muscle. But how often does this miracle organ pump in a day? How many beats add up for a lifetime? Let's get deep into the science, mechanics, and statistics of the heart to answer these questions.

Anatomy and Function of the Heart

It's about the size of a fist, and located central to your chest cavity, a little toward the left. Though not necessarily small, it is literally the most important muscle in the entire human body. Its main job? To pump enriched oxygenated blood to your every cell while taking the carbon dioxide and waste of that cell away. Heart - the engine of circulatory system, the one pump with two jobs : feed and function.

Right Side of the Heart: Accepts the deoxygenated blood coming from the body to the lungs for oxygenation.

Left Side of the Heart: Pumps the oxygen rich blood that it gets from the lungs throughout the entire body.

The complexity works in harmony in a manner that allows all the tissues and organs in the body to thrive with their requirements of oxygen and nutrients.

Heartbeats in A Day

The number of times your heart beats in a day depends on several factors, including age, physical activity, and overall health. On average, a resting adult heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute. When you’re exercising, emotional, or even simply digesting food, this rate can rise significantly.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• At rest: 60–100 beats per minute (BPM).
• During moderate activity: 100–160 BPM.
• At times of rigorous exercise: 160-200 BPM

Assuming an average resting heart rate of 70 BPM, for one day alone, the heart will have beaten a little over 100,800 times. Multiply by 365 days, that's approximately 36.8 million beats every year. This is enough to go on and emphasize the very great endurance power this muscular structure possesses.

How Many Times Does the Heart Beat Over a Lifetime?

To calculate how many beats a heart generates over a lifetime, we need to consider life expectancy. In the U.S., the average lifespan is approximately 77.5 years, according to the CDC. Using a resting heart rate of 70 BPM:

• Daily heartbeats: ~100,800.
• Annual heartbeats: ~36.8 million.
• Lifetime heartbeats: Around 2.85 billion beats.

If your resting heart rate is closer to 80 BPM, the number jumps incredibly to over 3 billion beats in 80 years. Athletes with lower resting heart rates, often 40 BPM, may not reach as many beats but keep excellent cardiovascular health.

Heart Rate Variations: From Birth to Old Age

Heart rate is not uniform over a lifetime. Consider these examples:

Newborns

Resting heart rates, on the other hand, run a range of 70–190 BPM, in greater demand for metabolic intake.

Adults

They decline to 60-100 BPM at rest.

Athletes

The individual, in top physical shape may have resting rates at such low levels as 40 BPM.

As we age, the heart slows down a little bit. Aging can bring such problems as fibrosis - growth of excess tissue-or arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. Nevertheless, with proper care, the heart remains remarkably resilient and capable of adapting to changing needs in the body.

Does the Heart Have a "Lifetime Quota"?

Is there a maximum number of beats a heart can make before it "wears out"? The answer is not so simple. Genetic, health, and lifestyle factors play a huge role. Aging will certainly have an effect on the performance of the heart, but with the advances in medicine and good habits, it can significantly extend its functionality.

Stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise accelerate the "wear and tear" on the heart. Conversely, practices such as regular cardiovascular exercise, a balanced diet, managed stress, and not smoking can preserve heart health.

Listen to Your Heart

It is easy to check your heart rate. Simply put two fingers on your wrist or the side of your neck, where a large artery is close to the surface. Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four to obtain the BPM. This is one simple test that could really open your eyes to what's going on with your heart.

Your heart is an amazing organ, beating billions of times in a lifetime without rest. On average, this muscular marvel pumps blood 115,200 times a day, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to every corner of your body.

To maintain a healthy heart and bring out its full potential, treat it with care. Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and manage stress effectively. In doing so, you can ensure that your heart, the ultimate symbol of vitality and endurance, keeps beating strong for decades to come.

What is a normal heart rate? Harvard Health. 2023.

Pulse. UCFB.

Life Expectancy at Birth, by Sex. 2024. CDC

As the year draws to a close and 2026 approaches, most women find themselves juggling work deadlines, family responsibilities, and festive plans. In the middle of it all, personal health often slips to the bottom of the list. But doctors say this is exactly the time to pause and take stock of your body, especially your reproductive and hormonal health.

“Annual gynecological screening is one of the simplest ways to prevent silent illnesses, detect early changes, and understand your reproductive health better,” says Dr Tanveer Aujla, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida. Many common conditions show little to no symptoms in the early stages, making routine testing crucial.

Why yearly gynecological check-ups matter

Women often ignore subtle signs like fatigue, irregular periods, unexplained weight changes, or mood swings, assuming they are part of a busy lifestyle. According to Dr Aujla, this delay can be risky. “Conditions like cervical abnormalities, breast lumps, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or hormonal imbalance often develop quietly and show symptoms only later,” she explains. A yearly check-up helps catch problems early and allows women to plan their health with confidence, especially if pregnancy is on the horizon.

Pap smear and HPV testing for cervical health

One of the most important screenings is the Pap smear combined with HPV testing. The Pap test looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, while the HPV test detects high-risk viruses responsible for most cervical cancers. “Together, they form a powerful screening tool,” Dr Aujla says. Women between 25 and 65 years should undergo this test every three to five years, or as advised by their doctor.

Breast screening for early detection

Breast health should never be overlooked. Dr Aujla advises yearly mammograms for women above 40, along with clinical breast examinations or ultrasound scans when needed. “These screenings help identify lumps, cysts, or early tissue changes,” she notes. She also stresses the importance of monthly self-examination to check for lumps, pain, or changes like inverted nipples.

Thyroid testing for unexplained symptoms

Thyroid disorders are extremely common in women and often remain undiagnosed. “A simple TSH, T3, and T4 test can explain symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, irregular periods, weight changes, or fertility issues,” says Dr Aujla. Early diagnosis can significantly improve quality of life and prevent long-term complications.

Fertility markers and preconception screening

Tests like AMH offer insight into ovarian reserve and help women plan their reproductive timelines. Dr Aujla points out that this is especially important for women with PCOS, irregular cycles, or delayed family planning. Preconception screening, which includes anemia levels, vitamin D, rubella immunity, blood sugar, and hormonal panels, ensures the body is prepared for a safe pregnancy.

Other essential health screenings

Women over 30 or those with a sedentary lifestyle should also get diabetes and cholesterol tests. Bone health panels checking calcium and vitamin D help prevent future osteoporosis. STI screening is equally important, as infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can silently damage reproductive health if left untreated.

“Whether you are planning pregnancy or simply want to stay healthy, these tests offer clarity, confidence, and peace of mind,” Dr Aujla concludes. Taking time for these screenings before the year ends is a small step that can protect your health for years to come.

Santa Claus is bad for your health! This is a statement by Dr Nathan Grills, a Public Health Fellow in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Australia. Why is he saying this right ahead of Christmas?

Writing for an article in the British Medical Journal's Christmas issue (BMJ), he says, "Santa only needs to affect health by 0.1% to damage million of lives". He says it would be better if his popularity was rather used to promote healthy living.

Why Is Santa Claus Unhealthy?

Santa Claus's portrayal is where the concerns lie. This was not the first time someone has talked about. In fact, The Conversation in December 2024, talked about this exactly. If you look at Santa, he stands anywhere between 5'6" to 6'6" and weighs between 80Kgs to 136Kgs. He also carries a lot of weight around his belly, which, some may say, keeps him insulated as he sleighs through the snowy lands, but is sure overweight and obese. These portrayal promotes an unhealthy living.

Dr Grils also writes that Santa should rather share Rudolf's snack of carrots and celery sticks than brandy and mince pies, and swap his reindeer for a bike or a walk.

After reviewing existing literature and online sources to understand Santa Claus’s possible impact on public health, the analysis found no peer-reviewed studies directly addressing the issue. What did stand out, however, was the exceptionally high level of awareness of Santa among children. In fact, surveys of American schoolchildren showed that Santa Claus was recognized more widely than almost any other fictional character, second only to Ronald McDonald.

The doctor says that Santa is also used for selling products, which are mostly harmful, and this happens on global scale, which means, people get inspired. "Santa sells, and sometimes he sells harmful products. Like Coca-Cola, Santa has become a major export item to the developing world."

While Santa has been banned from smoking, but his images of enjoying a pipe or cigar are easily found on Christmas cards. The depiction of Santa does form a public perception, argues the doctor.

Dr Grill also notes that Santa may be promoting potential drink-driving, especially when someone follows the tradition to leave him a brandy to wish him well on his travels, while he has billion houses to visit.

Can Santa Spread Diseases?

Dr Grill says that he can spread diseases. If Santa sneezes or coughs around 10 times a day, all the children who sit on his lap may also end up catching the flu along with their Christmas presents.

However, it is important to note that these are views expressed by the doctor and no actual studies have been conducted on the same, Though Dr Grill does indicate for more research before calling for authorities to regulate Santa's activities. For now, Dr Grill proposes a new image for Santa, a healthier one. A slim Santa on a treadmill.

For years, the appendix was brushed off as a useless leftover from human evolution. Many of us grew up believing that it served no real purpose and was better off removed at the first sign of trouble. But science now tells a more interesting story. This small, finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine quietly supports gut health and immunity in ways that were long overlooked.

What exactly is the appendix?

The appendix is a narrow tube connected to the cecum, located in the lower right side of the abdomen. It usually measures between 7 and 10 cm, although its size and position can vary widely from person to person. In some people, it may be just a couple of centimeters long, while in others, it can extend much further. This variation is also why appendicitis pain can sometimes feel confusing or atypical.

Not useless after all

The biggest shift in understanding the appendix came from research into gut bacteria. The appendix appears to act as a safe storage space for beneficial microbes. During bouts of severe diarrhea or intestinal infections, large amounts of gut bacteria are flushed out. The appendix helps reintroduce these good bacteria once the illness passes, helping the digestive system recover faster.

It also plays a role in immunity, especially during early life. The appendix contains lymphoid tissue, which exposes immune cells to substances passing through the gut. This helps the body learn how to respond to harmful invaders while tolerating harmless ones. While humans can survive perfectly well without an appendix, its presence offers subtle support to the immune and digestive systems.

Why appendicitis happens

Despite its benefits, the appendix is still prone to inflammation. Appendicitis is one of the most common abdominal emergencies worldwide. It usually occurs when the appendix gets blocked, often due to hardened stool, infection, or rarely, abnormal growths. Once blocked, bacteria multiply, causing swelling, pain, and infection.

The classic warning sign is pain that starts near the belly button and gradually shifts to the lower right abdomen. This may be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Ignoring these symptoms can be dangerous. If left untreated, the appendix can rupture, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

Busting Common Myths

There are many myths surrounding the appendix. One of the most common is that fruit seeds or spicy food cause appendicitis. There is no evidence to support this. Another misconception is that appendicitis can settle on its own. While pain may temporarily reduce, the underlying inflammation usually worsens.

Many people also worry that removing the appendix will harm digestion or require lifelong dietary restrictions. In reality, most people return to normal eating habits and daily routines after recovery, with no long-term health issues.

How appendicitis is treated

Surgery remains the most reliable treatment for appendicitis. Today, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery are widely used. These involve small incisions, less pain, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays. In complicated cases, open surgery may still be required.

In selected cases of mild, uncomplicated appendicitis, antibiotics may be used initially. However, studies show that while symptoms may improve, there is a higher chance of recurrence within months. For this reason, surgery continues to be the definitive, long-term solution for most patients.

Recovery after appendix removal is usually smooth. Many patients are able to walk the same day and return home within a day or two. Light meals are recommended initially, and heavy lifting is avoided for a few weeks. Long-term lifestyle changes are rarely needed, and most people forget about the surgery entirely once healed.