29/07/2025
Did you know you have a second heart? It lives in your calves.
Activating it is the key to good health. Here's how to do it.
Your body has a hidden helper that plays a major role in circulation—and it only kicks in when you move. Known as the soleus, your calf muscles pump blood back up toward your chest, assisting your actual heart in overcoming gravity’s pull.
This muscle-powered pump is vital for preventing blood from pooling in the legs, which can cause swelling, varicose veins, or even blood clots.
But here’s the catch: the calf pump only works when you’re moving.
Prolonged sitting or even just standing in place can impair this function and lead to chronic vein issues, warn experts at the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.
The simplest way to activate this second heart? Walk regularly—at least once or twice every hour.
Even if you’re stuck at a desk or on a long flight, toe raises can help simulate the motion. For those with chronic swelling, elevating legs above heart level or wearing compression socks can offer relief. But ultimately, movement is the key.
Whether it’s a brisk walk or a few steps around the office, keeping your legs in motion keeps your second heart pumping—and your overall health on track.
