Cardiologist stresses the importance of your ‘second heart’, the calves; here’s what he suggests

Benefits of doing calf raises: Maintaining calf health is not an uphill task. It requires little effort to do calf raises while sitting or standing (Image: Canva)

Cardiovascular health is a combination of making the right lifestyle choices. It includes not only making nutritional changes but also incorporating movements that support proper heart functioning. Taking to his Instagram account, cardiologist Dmitry Yaranov shared how you can protect your heart from diseases and reduce the risk of related issues.

Dr Yaranov stressed the importance of calf muscles, which help maintain proper blood circulation. He wrote, “You don’t have one heart. You have two. The first is in your chest. The second is in your calves. Every step, every heel raise, every muscle squeeze pushes blood back to your real heart, keeps your circulation alive, and stops deadly clots from forming.”

If you don’t take care of your calves with regular physical activity, the cardiologist explained its repercussions. “But here’s the problem… our modern lifestyle is killing it. We sit for hours. We walk less than ever. We lose muscle as we age. When your 'second heart' fails, your first one is forced to work harder — circulation slows, swelling begins, blood pressure rises, and your risk of heart failure skyrockets. No medication can replace it,” he added.

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A post shared by Dmitry Yaranov, MD | Cardiologist 🫀 (@heart_transplant_doc)

Maintaining calf health is not an uphill task. It requires little effort to do calf raises while sitting or standing. “Move. Walk daily. Do heel raises at your desk. Take the stairs. Keep your calf muscles strong for life. Because when one heart weakens… the other pays the price. Don’t wait until it’s too late — start today. Your future self will thank you.”

How to do Calf Raises?

If you want to do standing calf raises, follow the steps:

• Stand next to a step or a block
• Place the balls of your feet on the edge of the step or the block
• Push your heels up as far as possible, squeezing your calves
• Lower your heels down towards the floor
• Slowly return to the starting position

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.