In medicine, keeping the heart beating is a top priority, but that’s not a simple task, because so many things can go wrong with this complex organ.
Diseases such as viruses can invade and destroy its tissue. Globs of fat can block the blood vessels in and around it. Mechanical parts can wear out, the muscle itself can weaken with age, and even the built-in timer can misfire. What can modern medicine do to fix a broken heart? Mend it—sometimes.
