The human heart is roughly the size of a clenched fist.
Size and Weight
- A typical adult heart weighs between 300 and 450 grams (approximately 7 and 15 ounces). [Source: Multiple sources including Cleveland Clinic, Better Health Channel, and Texas Heart Institute].
- Its size is often compared to a clenched fist, providing a relatable visual reference.
It's important to note that individual heart sizes vary slightly depending on factors like age, sex, and overall body size. While the average size is helpful, it's not a precise measurement for every individual. The heart's size is also not directly correlated to health, as a larger-than-average heart isn't necessarily a sign of a problem (as discussed in the Mayo Clinic link on enlarged hearts). Likewise, smaller hearts are not inherently better. The heart's function is the key indicator of its health.
Heart Size in Other Animals
The size comparison to a clenched fist is specifically for the human heart. Other animals, particularly larger ones, have proportionately much larger hearts. For example, a blue whale's heart is significantly larger than a human heart.
