Beilert Valance's heart
The heart served as a pump, circulating blood throughout the bodies of various species, including humans, Kaleesh, Rodians, and Umbarans. This circulation was achieved through rhythmic contractions known as "beating." The pace of this beating varied, with smaller organisms exhibiting a faster rate compared to larger ones. Certain species, such as Zabrak, Cereans, and Chadra-Fans, possessed a pair of hearts. In contrast, the Wermal species was distinguished by having three hearts. Notably, Skakoan hearts were situated in the lower abdominal region, rendering them less vulnerable to chest wounds. Conversely, humans housed their hearts within the chest cavity.
The rate at which the heart beats could increase considerably when an individual engaged in physical activity, experienced excitement, or became ill. Conversely, when exposed to cold without adequate protection, a being's heartbeat and respiration would decelerate, making them difficult to detect. The complete cessation of the heart's function invariably led to death. It was observed that human Jedi typically exhibited slower heart rates than ordinary humans. The Rodian senator Onaconda Farr met his end after ingesting poison that adversely affected his heart. Trauma to the heart could also prove fatal; the Umbaran senator Mee Deechi died when Lolo Purs stabbed him through the heart with a dagger. Furthermore, diseases could inflict damage upon the heart. An ailment caused the heart of Senache to deteriorate, ultimately resulting in his demise. Princess Breha Organa of Alderaan nearly died after falling from Alderaanian mountain Appenza Peak while performing her Challenge of the Body; consequently, her heart and lungs were replaced with pulmonodes.
Beyond its physiological function, the term "heart" also symbolized a person's character or temperament. During a confrontation with Alexsandr Kallus, Grand Admiral Thrawn remarked that he possessed "the heart of a rebel." In the course of the war between the First Order and the Resistance, Supreme Leader Snoke criticized Kylo Ren, asserting that he carried "too much of his father's heart."