The functioning of all other organs and systems within the body depends on an adequate blood supply. One example of this is the brain. Reduction or impairment in its supply of blood can result in a loss of neurological function, a loss of consciousness, or even death. One can, of course, appreciate what a sudden and sustained loss of blood supply can do to someone. But impairment in blood circulation can progress so slowly and over such a long period of time that, while its impact can be serious, its consequences may be difficult to detect.
Problems can occur if the heart's ability to function adequately is even slightly impaired.
Slow deterioration in cardiac performance can cause an equally slow deterioration in other organ performance. Thus, diagnosing even a minor condition that impairs the heart's performance is important. While one's life may not be immediately threatened by a minor impairment, ultimately one's life can be seriously affected and even shortened by the eventual deterioration and failure of other life-sustaining organs, such as the lungs, the kidneys and the liver. The heart, therefore, plays a central role in sustaining the optimal performance of all other organs and bodily systems. The heart must perform its function in such a way as to enable all other organs of the body to perform their tasks.