The vein that supposedly went from the fourth finger to the heart was even dubbed the vena amoris by ancient Romans (Latin for the “vein of love”). Unfortunately, we now know that this ancient belief is not true -- there is no vein that runs from our ring fingers to our hearts.
The fourth finger of the left hand, believed to possess a vein that runs securely to the heart, has traditionally been ringed. This Vein of Love, or more amorously called the Vena Amoris, 1 originated in ancient Egypt, where it was first described by Macrobius in 395–423 AD.
Veins connect all fingers to the heart
The cardiovascular system pumps blood to and from every part of the body. So the entire body is connected to the heart by both veins and arteries. This applies to all of the fingers in both hands.
Proper Digital Arteries to the Fingers
For example, the common digital artery that travels in the palm between the middle and ring fingers splits and then gives one vessel to the ring finger and one vessel to the middle finger. Each finger has two proper digital arteries that run on either side along its length.
Traditional belief established that this vein ran directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. This theory has been cited in Western cultures as one of the reasons the engagement ring and/or wedding ring was placed on the fourth finger, or "ring finger".
The 'ring finger' got its name from the ancient belief that a vein directly connected it to the human heart, and that wearing a ring on that finger might alleviate ailments.
Inferior vena cava: This large vein delivers oxygen-poor blood from your lower body into your heart's right atrium.
Possible causes of finger pain include tendon conditions, arthritis, ganglion cysts, and infections. A person should see a doctor for finger pain or symptoms that impact a person's daily activities. They should also seek prompt medical attention if they suspect a fracture, dislocation, or wound infection.
The ulnar nerve transmits electrical signals to muscles in the forearm and hand. The ulnar nerve is also responsible for sensation in the fourth and fifth fingers (ring and little fingers) of the hand, part of the palm and the underside of the forearm.
Peripheral neuropathy — Peripheral nerves are nerves that run through your hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which one or more of these nerves are affected by injury, irritation or inflammation. When this happens, shooting pain can spread into one or more of your fingers.
If you have a heart infection known as infective endocarditis, these painful lumps can develop in your fingers, toes, or both places.
The vein that supposedly went from the fourth finger to the heart was even dubbed the vena amoris by ancient Romans (Latin for the “vein of love”). Unfortunately, we now know that this ancient belief is not true -- there is no vein that runs from our ring fingers to our hearts.
Veins bring blood to the right side of your heart. Pulmonary arteries carry the blood to your lungs, where it receives oxygen. Pulmonary veins move the blood oxygen-rich blood to the left side of your heart.
A large vein that carries blood to the heart from other areas of the body. The vena cava has two parts: the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava.
The middle or ring finger is preferred as having the greatest depth of tissue beneath the skin and hence offering the least chances of injury. The thumb or index finger may be more likely to be calloused or scarred, as well as being much more sensitive, making the procedure more painful.
Why are ring fingers so weak? It's thanks to these independent extensors in the thumb, index, and pinky fingers that you can rock out at a concert. Unfortunately for the ring and middle fingers, they have no independent flexors or extensors. Instead, they move only with the muscles common to all fingers.
The major venous vessels of the human heart are: coronary sinus, the anterior interventricular veins, left marginal veins, posterior veins of the left ventricle, and the posterior interventricular veins (see also the Coronary System Tutorial).
[2] This vein travels along the left oblique marginal surface of the heart. The left and right ventricular veins vary from person to person, but generally, they function to drain the external walls of the ventricles[6].
The internal thoracic vein is a pair of blood vessels that collect blood from tissues in your chest wall and breasts. There's one on each side of your body.
It is not “bad” to wear any type of ring on your left ring finger. Wear any ring you'd like. If you want to wear a band that looks like a wedding band, people will assume you are married, but if you don't care about that it is your choice.
The best finger to get blood from is your ring finger. When performing a finger-prick test, use the side of your ring finger. It is where circulation is at its peak, and you are more likely to collect a complete sample from this one finger.
Checking your pulse
Taking a pulse is a very important part of heart health checks. It measures the number of heart beats per minute, assesses if the pulse is regular or not, and identifies the strength of the pulse. Your nurse or doctor may check your pulse, or you can check it yourself.
Infection. A range of infections can cause the finger to become swollen, painful, and hot. An infection near the nail bed can cause swelling and tenderness. This is called paronychia.