Where does the energy that makes the heart beat come from?

Answer

Dear Sir,

The heart is a muscle. Like other muscles in the body, it burns sugars and fats. These fuels are broken down into a molecule (acetylCoA) that can be used by the mitochondria to create energy. The mitochondria are small organelles in the cells that, through oxygen consumption, make the universal energy molecule of the body, namely ATP (adenosine trophosophate). The production of this molecule allows the muscle fibers to contract, resulting in the heart pumping.

So in summary: fats and sugars are broken down into acetylCoA (in different steps). This is further used in the mitochondria to make ATP. Oxygen is very important here. ATP then serves as a universal currency for all energetic processes in the body, including muscle contraction.

Hopefully this answers your question.

Sincere greetings,

Arnaud Vanlander