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Absolutely right — this concept of the "second heart" in our legs is not only scientifically accurate but also crucial for understanding how our bodies maintain healthy blood flow.
Why the Calf Muscles Matter So Much:
Our calf muscles (primarily the gastrocnemius and soleus) act as a venous pump. Each time you flex or contract them — like when walking or even flexing your feet — they squeeze the deep veins in your legs, helping to push blood back up toward the heart. This is vital because blood must fight gravity to return from the legs.
What Happens When We Don’t Move?
Blood pools in the lower extremities.
Pressure builds in the veins, leading to swelling, varicose veins, and in serious cases, deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
This can be particularly dangerous on long flights or during sedentary workdays.
What You Can Do Daily:
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