We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

For the First Time, Scientists Record the Slow Beat of a Blue Whale's Heart

The world's largest animal has a heart that might sit near the limit of what's possible.

By Leslie Nemo
Nov 25, 2019 8:00 PMApr 17, 2020 3:08 PM
Blue Whale
A blue whale swimming in the ocean. Their heart rates can drop to as low as two beats per minute while diving. (Credit: Atomic Roderick/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

The largest heart on earth — a 400-pound blood-pumping machine — beats about 13 times a minute.

That’s according to scientists' first recordings of the heart of a blue whale. The research team documented the rhythms thanks to a few suction cups that kept a heart rate monitor attached to a whale swimming and diving around California's Monterey Bay. 

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.