Opinion | A Love Letter to the Beating Heart

NYT Homepage

by Darcey Steinke

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Valentine’s Day often brings to mind hearts as symbols of love and affection, but the real heart—the organ—tells a far more complex story. This article delves into the history of the heart symbol, tracing its origins from ancient coins to modern emojis, and explores how it has become deeply tied to our understanding of love and emotion. Yet, beyond its romantic imagery lies the reality of the heart as a life-sustaining organ that beats tirelessly, separating life from death. The author reflects on their own experience with heart-related health concerns, revealing how fear of heart issues can be just as impactful as the physical symptoms themselves. The heart’s journey from a symbol of eros to its current status as a medical icon is fascinating. In ancient times, it was associated with fertility and desire, but over centuries, it became a universal emblem for love. By the 15th century, hearts adorned everything from playing cards to jewelry, and today they exist in over 30 digital forms as emojis. This transformation mirrors how language has shaped our perception of the heart, with terms like “follow your heart” or “affairs of the heart” embedding its romantic significance into everyday speech. However, the physical reality of the heart is far more intricate—it’s a muscular organ governed by electricity and blood, not just emotions. The article also highlights the personal and emotional struggles tied to heart health. The author shares their own experience of worrying about potential heart issues, even when reassured by doctors that they were healthy

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/15/2026