It’s time for a heart-to-heart with five fun and fascinating fast facts about blood, an interview with Dr Patrick Capon, a science communicator who knows a lot about blood, and a heart pumping activity for you to try yourself at home.

Presented by Jenny Lynch and Matilda. Written and produced by Jenny Lynch. Music by Purple Planet Music. Sound effects by Pixabay.

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Episode content:

00:19 Introduction and fast facts

04:51 Interview with Dr Patrick Capon

12:34 Heart rate activity

Australian Redcross Lifeblood: https://www.lifeblood.com.au

Heart rate activity

You will need something that can measure 30 seconds, for example a clock with a second hand, a stopwatch, or the timer on a smartphone.

1. Feel the pulse in your wrist by holding two fingers gently on the inside of your wrist. If you can’t feel the pulse, change the position of your fingers and rest them gently until you feel the pulse.

The pulse beats in time with your heart pumping blood around your body, so it can be used to measure your heart rate.

1. Set the timer to measure 30 seconds and count the number of beats you feel in 30 seconds. If you double this number, that number is your heart rate in ‘beats per minute’. For example, if you count 40 beats in 30 seconds, your heart rate is 80 beats per minute.
2. Do some energetic exercise, like star jumps or running around, for about one minute.
3. Find your pulse again, set the timer for 30 seconds, and count the number of beats you feel in 30 seconds. Double this number and you will probably have a higher heart rate this time.

When you exercise, your muscles use more oxygen. A faster heart rate means the blood moves faster around your body and more oxygen can be delivered to your muscles.