Hearts are often depicted as red because of their association with blood. The heart is a muscle that pumps blood throughout the body, and blood is rich in red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin, a protein that gives blood its red color.
According to Dr. DiBianco, "Because [the heart] is a muscle with lots of blood supplied to it, it looks red like meat."
While the heart is indeed red, it's important to remember that the color can be affected by factors like body fat. In overweight individuals, the heart might appear yellow due to the presence of yellow fat covering it.
However, it's essential to note that the red heart symbol is largely a cultural construct. While the color red is linked to blood and the heart's function, it's not a literal representation of the organ's appearance. The red heart is a symbol of love, passion, and affection, and it has been used for centuries in art, literature, and everyday life.